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Parks board approves restarting Park Foundation to expand fundraising and grant access
Summary
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board voted to form a new Park Foundation (a separate 501(c)(3) entity) to expand fundraising, apply for grants restricted to nonprofits and increase community participation via a community‑based foundation board.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Sept. 17 approved moving forward to form a Park Foundation — a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity — intended to expand fundraising opportunities, pursue grants that typically require a nonprofit fiscal sponsor, and strengthen community engagement.
Parks staff said the department had operated with a foundation in the past but that it dissolved as volunteers and staff turned over; restarting the foundation would allow the parks department to apply for grant programs that only award funds to 501(c)(3) organizations. Staff emphasized the foundation would be a separate legal entity with its own board, bylaws and bank account; expenditures would be approved by the foundation board and the foundation would keep funds separate from city accounts.
Board discussion favored a community‑based board rather than one dominated by park staff, and members noted the model would be similar to other nonprofit support organizations such as friends‑of‑the‑park groups or the zoo society. Public commenters applauded the idea and urged the board to proceed.
Formal action: the board moved, seconded and voted to approve forming the Park Foundation partners to Park MC; the motion carried as recorded.
Why it matters: Creating a nonprofit partner opens access to philanthropic and foundation grants otherwise unavailable to city government, allows dedicated fundraising for park projects, and formalizes community involvement in park development and stewardship.
