Let's Build Common Ground

The Mason Parks & Recreation Foundation is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization formed to raise private funds to enhance Mason’s parks and recreation programs.  The Foundation's mission is to preserve Mason’s livability by raising private funds to enhance and expand our community's parks, trails and recreation programs and to provide access and opportunity for all. 

The million dollar question:  Why do we need to solicit donations when your tax dollars should be paying for parks and recreation enhancements?

Foundations to improve parks and recreation resources exist in nearly every community because situations arise where it is not appropriate to use money from taxes, or outside funding is available only to non-profit organizations.  Here are five of many examples:

1.  Mason has had several opportunities to take advantage of private grants to enhance parks and recreation opportunities.  In order to be eligible to receive many of these grants from a broad spectrum of non-profit sources, a Foundation must exist.  The first project on our list is an extremely ambitious one and we hope to secure grants, along with private donations.  This project is the building of an all-inclusive playground with equipment accessible to handi-capable children and adults.  The city has already earmarked the land (near Snider Rd. and Rt. 42) for a park and the Foundation plans a replication of a playground in Florida.  View a drawing of Common Ground, the all-inclusive playground.

2.  Community groups can use the Foundation as the steward of money when raising funds for special purchases.  For example, if an athletic boosters’ group wants to purchase equipment that isn’t in the school or city’s budget, they can raise funds through the Foundation’s tax-deductible status.

3.  Park memorials—park benches for example--are excellent ways to remember significant people in our community.  Donations for these memorials are tax deductible when a Foundation is the donor organization.

4.  Mason’s less privileged families could benefit from scholarship programs (to participate in fee programs organized by the Community Center) and donated funds from the Foundation can be earmarked for these programs.

5.  The Foundation can provide a way for capital improvements to be made outside of the City’s bidding and purchasing requirements, allowing safe, creative funding and cost savings without loss of administrative control.

You can make a difference! 

• Volunteer your time, energy, expertise.
• Contribute materials, services or money to a project or endowment fund.
• Make a gift through your estate such as a charitable remainder unitrust, real estate, stocks, securities, life insurance or direct donation through your will. Click here to learn more how to give.