Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

48 - FEBRUARY 2019

Non-Profit Partnerships

Greensboro has a long history of partnerships with non-profit

organizations that provide funding, volunteer and other resources in alignment with the Department’s mission. Today, two non-profit organizations partner with and actively support the Department’s mission. Greensboro Beautiful, Inc. (GBI) is focused on supporting Greensboro’s botanical gardens and volunteerism citywide and Friends of Greensboro Parks and Recreation Foundation supports the Department through fundraising. Incorporated in 1968, GBI has a long history with the City Beautiful division within the Department to provide public space beautification and support to the botanical gardens in the form of programs and volunteer coordination. In addition, GBI works intimately with the gardens’ staff. Its core mission includes:

Figure 28. Existing partnerships support programs, events, and facilities like Gateway Gardens.

garden enhancements, tree plantings, litter cleanups, and offering free garden events (particularly environmental education) through generous donations from individuals, corporations, and other community organizations. Over the years, the nonprofit has expanded its support to other city public spaces by organizing large-scale cleanup events and community tree planting on city-owned property.

The Friends Foundation provides financial support to both the City of Greensboro and Guilford County. The Foundation collects monetary, service and property donations from individuals, organizations, and corporations. These donations are used to provide programming, services and upkeep or construction of facilities. The Friends Foundation has limited staff and is supported by volunteer efforts with additional support from Department staff.