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Advanced Services

Establishing and Sustaining a Philanthropic Partner for Local Park Systems

(4 week – synchronous, virtual course)

Is your community interested in adding or increasing philanthropic funding for your park system?

Do you have interest but need some guidance how to get started or how to scale up sustainably?


This course is designed to provide communities the tools and insight to establish a local philanthropic partner for your park system.


About Your Facilitator

Man in blue shirt and blazer smiles by a wooden fence.

Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF), where he works directly with park foundations, friends groups, and agencies nationwide to strengthen governance, strategic direction, and fundraising performance.


With more than 20 years of association and nonprofit leadership experience, Kevin is especially focused on strategic planning and board development. He regularly guides NAPF members through building effective boards, aligning mission and strategy, and establishing practical, sustainable plans that can be executed with confidence. His work combines national perspective with hands-on support tailored to the realities of local organizations.


Kevin holds a B.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from Indiana State University and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He lives in McKinney, Texas with his wife and family.

Elevate Your Park Foundation with NAPF's Tailored Strategic Planning:

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Organization with NAPF's Expert-Led Strategic Planning Process!


Are you ready to propel your park foundation into its next chapter of growth and impact? The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) is here to guide you through a transformative strategic planning process that promises to not only align with your current achievements but also to unveil new horizons for your mission.


Discover the NAPF Advantage:

  • Customized Surveys: Dive into a comprehensive analysis with tailored surveys that capture the unique perspectives of both your internal team and external stakeholders.
  • One-on-One Engagement: Engage in meaningful dialogues with key figures to ensure every voice is heard and considered in shaping your strategic direction.
  • Dynamic SWOT Sessions: Join us for interactive sessions to dissect your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, turning insights into action.
  • Finalization Workshop: Collaboratively crystallize your plan in our closing session, assigning responsibilities and setting ambitious yet achievable goals.


Why Choose NAPF?

  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Benefit from our exclusive member pricing, offering you a full-service strategic planning process at a fraction of the standard cost.
  • Convenient and Inclusive: Our fully remote process ensures participation is seamless and inclusive, allowing your team to contribute without the burden of travel or time away from other commitments.
  • Advanced Technology: Utilize the latest tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence, to extract key themes and actionable items from stakeholder feedback.
  • Continued Support: Post-strategy, NAPF remains your partner in progress, offering guidance and resources to keep your strategic plan at the forefront of all you do.


The strategic plan we develop will become the beating heart of your organization – a constant reference that drives decision-making and keeps your team focused on the collective vision.


Take the leap into a future where your park foundation doesn't just dream of growth and success – it plans for it, achieves it, and sets new benchmarks for excellence in serving our parks and communities.


Are you ready to embark on this journey? Let's make your next strategic plan the roadmap to your foundation's brightest future. Reach out to NAPF today, and let's chart the course together.


Your next big leap begins with a single, strategic step. Connect with NAPF now!


Schedule:

January 27 – February 24, 2025

Tuesdays, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Central Time)

Live Virtual Classroom via Zoom


SESSION #1: STRUCTURES OF PHILANTHROPY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

  • Introductions and Ground setting
  • Welcoming exercise – getting the most for your community from this training
  • Positioning Philanthropy within a park system while maintaining democratic structures
  • What is Philanthropy and how does it improve public park systems
  • Taxonomy of Philanthropy
  • Methods of Philanthropy
  • Role of Nonprofit sector in public park systems
  • National Organizations and Collaborations to track 
  • Philanthropy: attention to impact and inclusion
  • Articles, Materials, Links and “Homework”

 

SESSION #2: FORMALIZED PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS

  • Reflection on readings and observations
  • Understanding the public sector where Foundations bring support
  • Structured agreements between Parks Foundations
  • Articles, Materials, Links and “Homework”

 

SESSION #3: GOVERNANCE AND CONSTITUENCY

  • Establishing / expanding the nonprofit – 501c3
  • Board Development for a thriving nonprofit
  • Staffing to sustain and grow
  • Programs and Practices
  • Strategic Planning and Campaign Planning
  • Developing a Fundraising practice to complement public funding
  • Structuring expectations and cultivating culture of philanthropy
  • Systems and Resources
  • Articles, Materials, Links and “Homework”

 

SESSION #4: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER – PROCESS AND NEXT STEPS

  • Community Stakeholders Analysis     
  • Vision and Community Engagement
  • Measuring impact – it matters if it’s measured
  • Establishing agreements and structure
  • Launching the Foundation
  • Next Steps – Launching the vision and inviting others to join

Commitment

  • 1.5 hours weekly: Synchronous live sessions on Zoom.
  • 1 hour offline: Approximately 60 minutes asynchronous work and reading
  • Additional 30 minute session with instructor is available upon request after class time.


Learning Objectives

  • Develop strategies for creating and sustaining a robust philanthropic partner dedicated to your local city or county park agency.
  • Gain a deeper understanding the various pathways in which philanthropy moves to and through the public realm and establishing structures, agreements, and practices to capture new and increased funding for parks and public spaces.
  • Learn the “Taxonomy of Philanthropy” for park systems and how to establish best practices for securing philanthropic funding including: individual major gifts; annual membership, foundation and corporate grants, events, sponsorships, volunteer programs, and planned gifts for endowments.
  • Gain clarity about the various governing structures in practice around the country and determine the best structures for your community with sample agreements.
  • Understand new strategies for leveraging increased public funding with philanthropy.
  • Connect with national expertise that has been established to support park foundations and park agencies around the country.
  • Build connections and network with park professionals exploring similar opportunities,
  • Begin developing a framework for a local fundraising agreement and an MOU between a local park agency and a nonprofit philanthropic partner.
  • Develop strategies and a timeline for initiating and managing capital and capacity campaigns supporting increased public park investments.



What You Receive at the Conclusion of the NAPF Strategic Planning Process:

  • Comprehensive Strategic Plan (Internal Version)

A detailed, working document outlining priorities, goals, timelines, and accountability structures to guide day-to-day decision-making.

  • Board-Ready Strategic Plan

A polished version designed for board adoption, alignment, and governance oversight.

  • Public-Facing Strategic Plan Summary

A concise, visually accessible version suitable for sharing with donors, partners, and the broader community.

  • Step-by-Step Implementation Roadmap

A clear, sequenced deployment plan outlining exactly how to roll out the strategy, including what to do first, next, and over time.

  • SMART Goals Framework

Clearly defined goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, ensuring progress can be tracked and evaluated.

  • Performance Dashboards

Simple, easy-to-use tracking tools that allow leadership and boards to monitor progress against goals in real time.

  • Priority Action Plans

Breakdowns of key initiatives into actionable steps, with assigned ownership and timelines.

  • Defined Roles and Accountability Structure

Clear identification of who is responsible for each objective, ensuring nothing stalls due to ambiguity.

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Measurable benchmarks tied to each strategic priority to evaluate success and inform decision-making.

  • Annual Work Plan Template

A practical tool to translate the strategic plan into yearly operational focus.

  • Board Reporting Framework

Standardized reporting format to keep leadership informed, engaged, and aligned with progress.

  • Stakeholder Communication Tools

Messaging guidance to help you share your strategic direction with members, donors, and partners.

  • Implementation Check-In Schedule

Recommended cadence for internal reviews and progress updates to maintain momentum.

  • Post-Planning Advisory Support

Continued access to NAPF for guidance, troubleshooting, and refinement as you begin implementation.

What Others Are Saying About NAPF's Strategic Planning Services

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as both an executive and a volunteer board member, I have participated in numerous strategic planning processes. Unfortunately, many of those plans have ended up sitting on a shelf, with little to no action taken. However, my experience working with Kevin Korenthal of the National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) to develop a strategic plan for the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Foundation has been truly transformative. Kevin’s innovative approach to strategic planning has resulted in a plan that not only includes actionable activities but also provides a clear roadmap to success—an outcome unparalleled in my professional experience.


Steven Love

H.A.R.D. Foundation Executive Director

Ready to Elevate Your Philanthropic Partnership?

Please complete the form below, or email NAPF Executive Director Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE at execdir@the-napf.org to inquire about and/or secure your seat today.


Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights, connect with peers, and apply practical solutions to your organization’s challenges.


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