We Need You!

The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) by raising private funds, obtaining grants and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community's needs for park land, facilities and services. FCPA receives less than 1% of Fairfax County's General Fund budget and while fees provide nearly 60% of operating expenses, some programs and facilities can't be fee-based. These areas are where the Foundation specifically provides support.

 


Help Your Neighbors access Parks

Boy in blue cap.Contribute to fund need-based scholarships and support for individuals when you register for FCPA classes, reserve picnic shelters, or buy passes. HELPING YOUR neighbors in need is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

  1. GIVE ONLINE Donate to Camps, Classes, Adapted & Equity Outreach Programs anytime!
  2. DONATE when you do business with Fairfax County Park Authority.
    • Register for FCPA Classes, Programs, Camps and Events
    • Reserve Picnic and Birthday Party Shelters, or Trips & Tours
    • Buy Rec Center Memberships or Aqua Passes
  3. SMILE knowing you made a difference helping to provide class scholarships for neighbors who would otherwise do without!

FCPF will provide a Thank You letter suitable for tax purposes.

 


Help Get Another Wonder Wagon Rolling!

Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center Sponsors.

Thanks to all sponsors who helped the Park Foundation fund the FCPA’s first Mobile Nature Center! (While every gift is appreciated, those donating $1,000 or more through April 2024 are listed. Contributors giving at least $250 are recognized online.)

The Wonder Wagon is a special vehicle that brings important environmental education to many at popular community events and to underserved populations including Title 1 school programs.  The demand for Wonder Wagon programming is great, so a second vehicle is needed to serve and inspire more in a county as large as Fairfax.

Since the end of April to mid-summer 2024, the Wonder Wagon has reached more than 2,293 individuals and made over 50 visits, with many more upcoming events already scheduled for the fall. It has visited camps, community centers, festivals, Rec-PAC sites, schools, parks and even a senior center!

Its popularity is proof that a second version of the Wonder Wagon is needed to adequately serve more Fairfax County residents and reach children and families in low-income communities. Naturalists and staff recognize the value of incorporating a recreational component to the educational experience. Children’s outdoor recreation is not just all fun and games, it’s a critical part of child development as they play, explore and discover new things.

Learn how your thoughtful gift will help make another Mobile Nature Center a reality.


Memorialize or Honor Someone Special at the Moon Gate Garden

Susan G. Akroyd.The future Moon Gate structure and hardscape is generously funded by Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry. The Fairfax County Park Foundation is actively seeking additional contributions for plantings to create a Garden. Green Spring Gardens is a gorgeous park to honor the life of a loved one, especially as part of the Moon Gate Garden.

Generous donor, Victor E. Schwartz, Esq. shared, "I am pleased to make a memorial contribution to honor my dear friend, Susan G. Akroyd, (1945-2021) a retired principal at Parklawn Elementary, a Title I school. It is fitting that Susan will be memorialized in the seating area of the future Moon Gate garden at beautiful Green Spring Gardens where we enjoyed conversations and many walks together."

Donors contributing $5,000 or more will be recognized on a lovely plaque to be installed within the Moon Gate Garden. Donate $50 or more to add your name or to honor someone special on Our Giving Tree!

Read more about this exciting feature and make a gift for the Moon Gate Garden!

 


Looking Back 20+ Years of Giving

FCPF 20th Anniversary logo.In April 2000, the forward-thinking Park Authority Board approved the establishment of a dedicated foundation to attract supplementary support. The Fairfax County Park Foundation’s first volunteer Board of Directors was formed to raise funds, obtain grants and create partnerships that enrich parks. As this exciting 20th Anniversary year is a wrap, here is a video of the Top 20 Highlights made possible by volunteers and generous donors just like you through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Thank you – and enjoy!

In late 2025, FCPF will commence an extended celebration of 25 years of helping to make Fairfax County parks accessible for all to enjoy.  This is possible thanks to donors like you!

Your IRA Distribution Gift Can Help Parks

The Godbolds.The Pension Protection Act of 2006 states that you may contribute funds from your IRA if:

  • You are age 70½ or older.
  • The gift(s) do not total more than $100,000 annually.
  • The gift is made on or before December 31 to qualify for that calendar year.
  • Funds are transferred directly from an IRA or Rollover IRA.
  • Gifts are made to a qualified charity, such as the Fairfax County Park Foundation.

Making the charitable gift from your IRA is simple. View these three easy steps.

"Steve and I use his IRA distribution to donate to many charities, and the Park Foundation is special, of course. To me, FCPA’s Summer Entertainment Series, Starlight Cinema puts “One Fairfax” in action – a free outdoor movie for anyone, especially families, to enjoy. What’s not to like about that?!!" - Maggie Godbold, pictured with Steve.


FCPF is grateful for Leadership Society donors whose philanthropy enriches Fairfax County parks while inspiring others to help!