Financial Services

Austin Parks Foundation provides funds management services for park projects. The Fiduciary Services program is another way that the Austin Parks Foundation is able to provide community groups with the tools they need to claim stewardship of their local park.

Through this program, groups interested in improving a park, but not currently registered as a non-profit, can join in a contractual agreement to make APF their fiscal agent. Through this agreement, APF becomes a “charitable umbrella” for park-friends groups. Acting as the registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, APF administers charitable funds and assists the client in raising funds through individual donations to support their park improvement efforts.

Benefits of having a charitable umbrella include:

Funds are held by Austin Parks Foundation, removing the need for your group to set up a bank account in the group's name.
Donors to your group or project may consider their gift a charitable donation for tax purposes.
Purchase made through your fiduciary account are exempt from sales tax.
Many grants require an organization to be a registered non-profit. Austin Parks Foundation can co-apply on some grant applications, removing this barrier.

Current fiduciary service clients include: Bull Creek Foundation, Friends of Norwood Estate Dog Park, Canine Social Club, Friends of Barton Springs Pool, Hill Country Inline Club, Oak HIll Trails Association, Greenbelt Guardians, Friends of Gus Garcia Park, Dougherty Arts School Scholarship Committee, Austin Public Skatepark Action Committee, and many others.

To learn more, view the Fiduciary Services Program application and logistics overview . If you would like to review a copy of the contract, or have any questions, please email apf@austinparks.org

For advice on how to raise funds or how to apply for non-profit status, take a look at our Park Activist's Handbook. We're always happy to consult - give us a call at 477-1566.

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