All Episodes

July 27, 2023 26 mins

Welcome to another episode of The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast. I'm your host, Kevin Korenthal, the executive director of the National Association of Park Foundations. Today, we have a special guest, Donald Ortale, who served as my predecessor in this role.


During our conversation, Donald and I delve into the significant role and benefits of park foundations in supporting park agencies and districts. Donald shares his personal experience growing up in a park district and becoming actively involved as a volunteer. We discuss how park foundations play a crucial role in funding infrastructure projects, attracting donations that might not directly go to government entities, organizing volunteers, and providing scholarships to economically challenged individuals.


Throughout the interview, we highlight the process of establishing a successful park foundation. We emphasize the importance of having a passionate group of citizens driving the foundation's vision and goals. Volunteers with relevant skills, such as fundraising or banking, are instrumental in the foundation's success.


We discuss the need for well-defined procedures and policies, including a standard operating procedure manual, to provide structure and support for the foundation. Collaboration between the Park Foundation and governmental units is key to long-term growth and success.


Additionally, we touch upon the significance of maintaining an inclusive culture within the Park Department and conducting training sessions for board members, volunteers, and park staff to ensure sustainability.


The National Association of Park Foundations stands ready to assist in various aspects of establishing a park foundation, from obtaining 501(c)(3) status to creating strategic plans.Explore the podcast



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.