As a former resident of Spokane, Washington, James Reddick was aware that the 1951 formation of the Spokane Parks Foundation stimulated millions of dollars in support of parks for the residents of Spokane. Following several introductory discussions with local park departments in 1995, the PARC Foundation of Thurston County was established using the Spokane Parks Foundation as a model. Q: Why should I consider giving to the PARC Foundation of Thurston County? PARC serves as a nonprofit financial manager for individuals and organizations that want to contribute to their community but are not interested in becoming a nonprofit or assuming the financial accounting effort. We leverage a number of separate funds to achieve major projects and thereby help our participants achieve myriad goals. Q: What was the first facility that the PARC Foundation of Thurston funded? PARC’s first funded project was the hugely popular Olympia Skate Court on Cooper Point Road in west Olympia. Q: Are the city and county parks and recreation departments involved with the PARC Foundation of Thurston County? Yes. The board of trustees of the PARC Foundation of Thurston County includes individuals who sit on the park advisory boards of the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. Q: Are donations tax deductible? Yes, the PARC Foundation of Thurston County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and registered with Washington State. Q: Can I donate funds directly to the cities or the county for parks? As public, nonprofit organizations, the cities and the county all accept direct contributions. They utilize contributions in accordance with their respective department policies. Q: If I contribute to the PARC Foundation of Thurston Conty can I designate where or how the funds may be used in a specific park? Not if you wish to contribute to a single public park. Most local government park and recreation departments have master plans that guide them in equitable development of park lands, maintenance expenditures, and recreational programs. To address a contributor’s specific request, however, the PARC Foundation of Thurston County can present your proposal to a park department and they, in turn, would determine if your specific request could be accommodated. Q: What types of donations will the PARC Foundation of Thurston County accept? Many contributors provide financial donations and sponsorship of events, while others support PARC’s projects through in-kind gifts such as free professional services or other volunteer activities. All supporters are gratefully acknowledged and are valued for their commitment to our mission. Q: Do you need volunteers? Yes, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities and welcome your assistance. Contact us today to find out how you can be a part of this dynamic organization.
