What We Do
The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Fairfax County Park Authority 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.
The Fairfax County Park Authority receives less than 1% (0.6) of Fairfax County's General Fund budget. While fees from recreation centers, golf courses, and classes provide for nearly 60% of the Park Authority's operating expenses, some programs and park facilities can't be fee-based. These areas are where the Foundation specifically provides support.
How We Are Managed
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed by an Executive Director with a lean and efficient staff. The Board is comprised of volunteer community and business leaders.
The Park Authority Board and the Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly and jointly select fundraising projects. The Park Authority provides the Foundation's staff salaries, office space and most of its operating expenses. This assures donors that contributions to the Foundation go directly to benefit valuable park projects and services.
Social and Racial Equity in Your Parks
The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors is proud to join Fairfax County Government, Public Schools and the Park Authority in adopting the One Fairfax social and racial equity policy. It’s a declaration that all residents deserve an equitable opportunity to succeed—regardless of their race, color, sex, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, disability, income or where they live.
Numerous FCPA programs funded with FCPF donations, such as support for Access to Camps, Classes, Adapted & Equity Outreach Programs and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience, support such inclusion. The Woodlands Stewardship Education Center and the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center support equity outreach programs through Title 1 Schools and popular events that reach residents throughout the Fairfax County community.
Your gifts help ensure that all residents can access and enjoy Fairfax County’s 420 parks and enriching programs!
Our Donors
Contributions to the Park Foundation are made by hundreds of foundations, organizations and individuals like you.
Generous monetary donations help support scholarships for under-privileged children and adults, camps for children living in homeless shelters and supportive housing, fully accessible playgrounds, environmental education, outdoor concerts, trail improvements, open space and many other impactful programs.
FCPF is heartened by the generosity of dedicated supporters, friends and volunteers. Their philanthropy enables the Park Foundation to improve the quality of life for all Fairfax County residents through parks.
Read these exceptional donor profiles and see the list of last year's donors. Thanks to each of our exceptional donors who enrich Fairfax County parks!
Awards and Certifications
The Foundation recognizes visionary financial and material contributions that significantly enhance Fairfax County parks with the Eakin Award and other awards.
Annual Reports and Finances
The most recent documents are now available.