Programs

  • Program 1 [2020]

    Friends of Missoula Parks, Inc. (FMP) was formed in 2002 by Missoula residents to provide a non-governmental entity to contribute to Missoulas park and recreation amenities. FMP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that can accept tax-deductible donations. As a non-profit corporation, FMP is also eligible to apply for foundation grants. FMPs mission is to promote parks, recreation, conservation lands, and forestry in the community of Missoula, Montana and the surrounding area by raising funds and awareness of the social, mental, and physical health benefits provided by parks, trails, and recreation. Friends of Missoula Parks will do so by exercising all rights and privileges granted to a non-profit organization recognized by the state of Montana.Since 2002, individual FMP board members have managed projects to enhance Missoula park and recreation amenities, including placing bear-proof garbage canisters in several Missoula parks; constructing a bridge over Rattlesnake Creek near the terminus of Duncan Drive; building and reconstructing pedestrian and bicycle trails on Mt. Sentinel; construction of a bridge and trail connection between the Rattlesnake Valley and the University of Montana (RUX); and contributing to the construction of the Missoula Bikes Park Projects at Syringa Park and Bellevue Park. FMP serves as a fiscal sponsorship organization for groups wishing to gain non-profit benefits who do not have their own non-profit organization. These fiscal sponsorship agreements allow groups to provide tax benefits to their donors. Groups who have benefitted from sponsorship include Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, Missoula Pickleball Project, and The Missoula Community Center Project. FMP is governed by a board of volunteer directors who each serve three-year terms. FMP board members have been engineers, doctors, housewives, lawyers, scientists, retirees, and educators, among other professions. FRIENDS OF MISSOULA PARKS ACTIVE PROJECTS/SPONSORSHIPS1. Partners in Parks (2012 to present). A collaborative effort with the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Missoula to raise funds to support increased demands on Parks &Recreation services and programs, particularly in the area of recreation for low income children and their families. Project contact, Donna Gaukler.2. All-Abilities Playground (2011 to present). An all-abilities playground effort at McCormick Park. FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project and does not do direct fundraising presently. Project contact, Jenny Montgomery.3. Rattlesnake/ University Connection System (2010 to present). A collaborative effort with the City of Missoula to extend the non-motorized trail system and provide a safer pathway for pedestrians and cyclists between the University Footbridge (Van Buren Street Footbridge), downtown, and the Rattlesnake in two phases. The project is funded by FMP donations and a federal grant secured by FMP. The project includes a bridge over Rattlesnake Creek near Pine Street and the Fire Station, a trail on land leased to the city by Montana Rail Link4. Greenough Park Footbridge (2010 to present). No activity at present.5. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park (2006 Present). FMP serves as a fiscal sponsor for this group, which has transitioned to a support group for FMRP. 6. Trees for Missoula (2012 Present). FMP is the fiscal sponsor for this group, whose purpose is to support the urban forest of the City of Missoula7. Keaton Miles Fund/Heaven Couldnt Wait (2011 Present) FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Miles family who raise money to support economically disadvantaged youth in outdoor parks & recreation opportunities, athletics, and clothing to support such activities in honor of their son. 8. Pickleball Courts (2015 Present) FMP is the fiscal sponsor for the Pickleball community and helped raise funds to build 6 pickleball courts at FMRP9. Missoula Bicycle Parks Project (2017 Present) FMP is fundraising to support development of Syringa and Bellevue bike parks, with a focus on Bellevue.10. Missoula Community Center Project. (2020 Present). A project to realize the 30-year dream of A Community Center to serve as a meeting place for the arts, leisure, and recreation.COMPLETED PROJECTS1. U.S. Soccer Foundation All Conditions Fields Grant 20082. Mount Sentinel Trail Improvements 2006 ($10,000.00 REI Grant)3. Bridge Over the Rattlesnake 2004 (U.S. Forest Service Grant)4. Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in Greenough Park5. RUX phase I & II6. FMRP Phase I & II7. Pickleball Project8. Rattlesnake to University Connection (RUX)9. 44 Ranch Park ProjectFISCAL SPONSORSHIPS/SUB-ACCOUNTS1. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park 2. Washington Foundation Scholarship Fund for Parks & Recreation3. Partners in Parks4. All-Inclusive Playground5. Missoula Children in Nature Montana Natural History Center6. Keaton Miles Heaven Couldnt Wait Fund7. Duncan Bridge8. Greenough Park9. Trees for Missoula10. Pickleball11. Missoula Community Center
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    –

  • Friends of Missoula Parks Initiatives

    Friends of Missoula Parks, Inc. (FMP) was formed in 2002 by Missoula residents to provide a non-governmental entity to contribute to Missoulas park and recreation amenities. FMP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that can accept tax-deductible donations. FMP is also eligible to apply for foundation grants as a non-profit corporation. FMPs mission is to promote parks, recreation, conservation lands, and forestry in the community of Missoula, Montana and the surrounding area by raising funds and awareness of the social, mental, and physical health benefits of parks, trails, and recreation. Friends of Missoula Parks will do so by exercising all rights and privileges granted to a non-profit organization recognized by the state of Montana. Since 2002, individual FMP board members have managed projects to enhance Missoula park and recreation amenities, including placing bear-proof garbage canisters in several Missoula parks, constructing a bridge over Rattlesnake Creek near the terminus of Duncan Drive, building and reconstructing pedestrian and bicycle trails on Mt. Sentinel; construction of a bridge and trail connection between the Rattlesnake Valley and the University of Montana (RUX); and contributing to the construction of the Missoula Bikes Park Projects at Syringa Park and Bellevue Park.FMP serves as a fiscal sponsorship organization for groups wishing to gain non-profit benefits who do not have their non-profit organization. These fiscal sponsorship agreements allow groups to provide tax benefits to their donors. Groups who have benefitted from sponsorship include Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, Missoula Pickleball Project, and The Missoula Community Center Project. FMP is governed by a board of volunteer directors serving three-year terms. FMP board members have been engineers, doctors, housewives, lawyers, scientists, retirees, and educators, among other professions. FRIENDS OF MISSOULA PARKS' ACTIVE PROJECTS/SPONSORSHIPS1. Partners in Parks (2012 to present). A collaborative effort with the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Missoula to raise funds to support increased demands on Parks &Recreation services and programs, particularly in the recreation area for low-income children and their families. Project contact Donna Gaukler.2. All-Abilities Playground (2011 to present). An all-abilities playground effort at McCormick Park. FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project and does not do direct fundraising presently. Project contact, Jenny Montgomery.3. Rattlesnake/ University Connection System (2010 to present). A collaborative effort with the City of Missoula to extend the non-motorized trail system and provide a safer pathway for pedestrians and cyclists between the University Footbridge (Van Buren Street Footbridge), downtown, and the Rattlesnake in two phases. The project is funded by FMP donations and a federal grant secured by FMP. The project includes a bridge over Rattlesnake Creek near Pine Street and the Fire Station, a trail on land leased to the city by Montana Rail Link4. Greenough Park Footbridge (2010 to present). 5. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park (2006 Present). FMP serves as a fiscal sponsor for this group, which has transitioned to a support group for FMRP.6. Trees for Missoula (2012 Present). FMP is the fiscal sponsor for this group, whose purpose is to support the urban forest of the City of Missoula7. Keaton Miles Fund/Heaven Couldnt Wait (2011 Present) FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Miles family who raise money to support economically disadvantaged youth in outdoor parks & recreation opportunities, athletics, and clothing to support such activities in honor of their son.8. Pickleball Courts (2015 Present) FMP is the fiscal sponsor for the Pickleball community and helped raise funds to build 6 pickleball courts at FMRP9. Missoula Bicycle Parks Project (2017 Present) FMP is fundraising to support the development of Syringa and Bellevue bike parks, focusing on Bellevue.10. Missoula Community Center Project. (2020 Present). A project to realize the 30-year dream of A Community Center to serve as a meeting place for the arts, leisure, and recreation.11. Friends of Marshall Mountain (2022 - present) - FMP is fundraising for the acquisitions and programming of a 480-acre mountain park12. PineView Park (2022 - present) FMP is sponsoring the neighborhood ice rink volunteers and insurance COMPLETED PROJECTS1. U.S. Soccer Foundation All Conditions Fields Grant 20082. Mount Sentinel Trail Improvements 2006 ($10,000.00 REI Grant)3. Bridge Over the Rattlesnake 2004 (U.S. Forest Service Grant)4. Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in Greenough Park5. RUX phase I & II6. FMRP Phase I & II7. Pickleball Project8. Rattlesnake to University Connection (RUX)9. 44 Ranch Park Project FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS/SUB-ACCOUNTS 1. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park2. Washington Foundation Scholarship Fund for Parks & Recreation3. Partners in Parks4. All-Inclusive Playground5. Missoula Children in Nature Montana Natural History Center6. Keaton Miles Heaven Couldnt Wait Fund7. Duncan Bridge8. Greenough Park9. Trees for Missoula10. Pickleball11. Missoula Community Center
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $115.4K

  • Program 1 [2024]

    Since its inception in 2002, Friends of Missoula Parks (FMP) has been a driving force in elevating the recreational landscape of our community. With a dedicated volunteer board and a strong network of supporters, FMP has spearheaded many impactful projects. These endeavors include the installation of bear-proof garbage canisters in local parks, constructing a crucial bridge over Rattlesnake Creek, and extensive trail enhancements on the iconic Mt. Sentinel.One of our flagship accomplishments has been creating a bridge and trail connection linking the Rattlesnake Valley to the University of Montana, facilitating easier access for residents and students alike. Additionally, we take pride in our contributions to developing bike parks at Syringa Park and Bellevue Park, providing exciting recreational opportunities for cyclists of all ages, and spearheading tree plantings at parks throughout Missoula. In addition to our direct initiatives, FMP also serves as a vital fiscal sponsorship organization, supporting various groups in their pursuit of enhancing public spaces. Among our sponsored initiatives are the Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, the Missoula Pickleball Project, The Clinton Skate Park Project, Friends of Marshall Mountain, and the Southside Lions Park Project.Through our collaborative efforts, FMP remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive recreational environment for all members of the Missoula community. As an example, In November 2023, FMP collaborated with Climate Smart Missoula, to move the FMP-sponsored Trees for Missoula (TFM) program from our organization to Climate Smart. Since its inception, FMP & TFM raised funds and awareness about the City of Missoula Urban Forestry program. By purchasing equipment and funding tree audits, ball-free tree-growth programs, wood-featured benches and sitting areas in park spaces, TFM became a driving forest in the health of our Urban Forest. In addition FMP & TFM organized tree-planting campaigns, complete with managing volunteer planters and pruners. FMP serves as a fiscal sponsorship organization for groups wishing to gain non-profit benefits who do not have their non-profit organization. These fiscal sponsorship agreements allow groups to provide tax benefits to their donors. Groups who have benefitted from sponsorship include Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, the Missoula Pickleball Project, and The Missoula Community Center Project. FMP is governed by a board of volunteer directors serving three-year terms. FMP board members have been engineers, doctors, housewives, lawyers, scientists, retirees, and educators, among other professions. FRIENDS OF MISSOULA PARKS ACTIVE PROJECTS/FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS1. Partners in Parks (2012 to present). A collaborative effort with the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Missoula to raise funds to support increased demands on Parks &Recreation services and programs, particularly in recreation for low-income children and their families. Project contact Donna Gaukler.2. All-Abilities Playground (2011 to present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project. The current focus is on providing funds to repair and maintain the All-Abilities playground at McCormick Park: project contact, Jenny Montgomery.3. Rattlesnake/University Connection System [RUX] (2010 to present). A collaborative effort with the City of Missoula to extend the non-motorized trail system and provide a safer pathway for pedestrians and cyclists between the University Footbridge (Van Buren Street Footbridge), downtown, and the Rattlesnake in two phases. Current efforts include maintaining a fund for future expansion: project contact Phil Gardner.4. Greenough Park Footbridge (2010 to present). No activity at present.5. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park (2006 Present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project, which has transitioned to a support group for FMRP improvements. 6. Keaton Miles Fund/Heaven Couldnt Wait (2011 Present) FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Miles family who raise money to support poor youth in outdoor parks & recreation opportunities, athletics, and clothing to support such activities in honor of their son. 7. Pickleball Courts (2015 Present) FMP is the fiscal sponsor for the Pickleball community, which raised funds to build 6 pickleball courts at FMRP. The group is currently funding for future Pickleball growth.8. Missoula Bicycle Parks Project (2017 Present) FMP fundraises and organizes volunteers to support the development of Syringa and Bellevue bike parks, with a focus on Bellevue. Current efforts are to complete Phase II, a shade shelter, and other added amenities for Syringa Park, partnering with Mountain Bike Missoula (MTBM)9. Friends of Marshall Mountain (2021 - Present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this group. This group is raising funds for purchasing and programming three privately owned tracts of land at Marshall Mountain in East Missoula. Partners include Missoula County, the City of Missoula and private landowners Izzy Dog, LLC, Five Valleys Land Trust, and the Conservation Fund. Missoula County will own the acquired lands, making up the new Marshall Mountain Park, a 350+ acre facility with outdoor recreation opportunities, including the states only purpose-built hand cycle trails, learn to ski area, and loop trails. The park will present historical and environmental outdoor education opportunities, all-access trails, and mountain bike trail networks.10. Clinton Skate Park (2023 present) FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project, located in Clinton, MT with the goal of building a skate park and community center.11. Southside Lions Park (2023 present) FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project, with a goal of a complete redesign of the existing South Lions Park. 12. Rose Memorial Park Restoration (2024-present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor and contributes to this project to restore the Rose Park Veterans memorial.COMPLETED PROJECTS1. Missoula Soccer Fields (U.S. Soccer Foundation All Conditions Fields grant) 2. Mount Sentinel Trail Improvements (REI grant)3. Duncan Avenue Bridge Over the Rattlesnake (U.S. Forest Service Grant)4. Bear-Proof Garbage Bins in Greenough Park5. Rattlesnake to University (RUX) phase I & II (Federal Transportation grant/private donors)6. FMRP Phase I & II (Private donors/Bond)7. Pickleball Project (Private donors)8. Rose Memorial Park (Kaboom & BlueCross BlueShield of Montana grants)9. 44 Ranch Park Project (private donors)10. HERE Montana (Patagonia grant/private donors)11. Currents Center for Recreation and Creativity (Converge Foundation) 12. Missoula Children in Nature Montana Natural History Center 13. Missoula Community Center (Converted to a standalone Non-profit called the Converge Foundation)14. Trees for Missoula (Transitioned program to Climate Smart Missoula)FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS/SUB-ACCOUNTS1. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park 2. Washington Foundation Scholarship Fund for Parks & Recreation3. Partners in Parks4. All-Inclusive Playground5. Keaton Miles Heaven Couldnt Wait Fund6. Duncan Bridge7. Pineview Park8. Trees for Missoula9. Pickleball Missoula10. Friends of Marshall Mountain 11. Clinton Skate Park12. Southside Lions Park13. Rose Park
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $94.2K