*Authorize grant agreement with Portland Parks Foundation for operational costs associated with fundraising and development services for Portland Parks & Recreation programs and projects not to exceed $100,000

This action will authorize Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) to grant funding (maximum $100,000 for FY 2023-24) to Portland Parks Foundation (PPF) for operating dollars that support PP&R’s chief philanthropic partner to bring new private resources to the parks system. PPF has shown success in fulfilling its goals and PP&R’s goals from previous grants. Background: PP&R’s strategic fundraising partner, PPF, as originally outlined in the Parks 2020 Vision document. In 1999, a Vision Team comprised of city residents and PP&R staff, along with thousands of residents, began to develop a vision to protect our heritage, to make recreation services available to all, and to leave a legacy for our children that is better than our inheritance. With hundreds of millions of dollars in capital needs in our park system and lack of access to parks in many parts of town, including trails that don’t connect—Portland Parks & Recreation relies heavily on our partners to bring in private philanthropic support—chief among them, PPF.

This ordinance and the proposed grant agreement will fund $100,000 budget as provided in PP&R’s FY 2023-24 Adopted Budget. Should this current grant be authorized, the likely result is that Portland Parks Foundation is better positioned to raise philanthropic dollars for Portland Parks & Recreation’s capital and programming needs. This could result in additional in-kind or cash infusions in parks capital assets or specific funding for other programs.

This ordinance and the proposed grant agreement confirm the City’s fiduciary commitment to its strategic fundraising partner, PPF, as originally outlined in the Parks 2020 Vision document. Specifically, PPF was formed to steward Portland’s parks through, but not limited to, the following activities: To promote social welfare by assisting in developing, maintaining, supporting, and promoting public parks in the City of Portland, Oregon, and their use and enjoyment by the public; To raise funds for the acquisition of land and for other parks and recreation purposes within the corporate boundaries of the city of Portland; To solicit, receive, hold, invest, steward, and administer contributions made to PPF to carry out its purpose. Fundraising from private individuals, corporations and foundations is a critical component to the long-term stewardship of Portland’s park system and PPF is well positioned to do this development work in the community. PPF’s founding partners are PP&R and the City of Portland. This relationship is formalized through an exchange of ex-officio board positions and the adoption of operating agreements and procedures. Both parties work collaboratively to develop shared philanthropic priorities. Geographic area: All parks assets are for free use by any resident citywide. Neighborhoods specifically affected may be any area in which PPF is raising money for capital assets—in 2017 that has included SW/NW Portland (Footbridge over Burnside) and Cully area (Thomas Cully Park support).