Natural Resources Commission asks Prospect Heights council to allow ‘Friends of PNRC’ 501(c)(3)

Dana cson, speaking for the Prospect Natural Resources Commission, told the City Council on June 24 that the commission seeks permission to form a 501(c)(3) called “Friends of PNRC” so it can solicit donations and apply for grants that the commission’s current status prevents it from pursuing. "Right now as a commission from the city we can't solicit funds, we can't sell anything," she said, explaining the nonprofit would allow an outside account and the ability to do fundraising and grant matches.

Cson reviewed a history of private gifts and small grants the commission has received since 2016, including anonymous donations that launched an intern program, contributions from local service groups and repeated gifts from individuals and Dr. Chris Wood. She said donated money has been used for internship stipends, educational giveaway items purchased through the University of Illinois prairie group, signage for public events and a 100 native plum tree planting (a Plum Grove) that also provides wildlife food and a noise buffer near Isaac Walton Park.

The presentation emphasized that donated funds have been used only for project-specific items (not routine operations) and that a nonprofit structure would allow matching for external grants such as ComEd grants and other land-conservation funding that is available only to 501(c)(3) entities. "We want them to feel really good about what they've done and we want to feel good about it too," Cson said of donors.

Council members asked how donations are currently handled; Cson said many checks have been made out to the City of Prospect Heights for PNRC purposes and are deposited into city accounts, with staff (Peter Falcone) processing receipts and expenditures. She said establishing a nonprofit would eliminate timing restrictions tied to city fiscal rules and allow the commission to manage an outside account and board of directors.

City Administrator Joe acknowledged the benefits but cautioned about unintended consequences if a nonprofit purchased land. He said private acquisition could remove property from the tax rolls and urged that any enabling action include legal safeguards so the city retains an appropriate oversight mechanism. Commissioners replied that land acquisition was not the commission’s primary goal and that the focus is fundraising for programmatic work and small capital matches. Several council members indicated conditional support, saying they would ask the city attorney to draft appropriate safeguards before approving formation.

The council did not take an immediate vote on forming the nonprofit but indicated willingness to work with the commission and staff on draft language and legal review.

The commission asked the council both for support to create the nonprofit and assistance in getting it started; next steps include consultation with the city attorney and outreach to neighboring agencies such as the Park District.