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Minneapolis Parks Foundation

EIN 20-0715686 · Minneapolis, MN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation transforms human lives through parks and public spaces by aligning philanthropic investment and community vision.

Income
$6.8 million
Spending
$5.4 million
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
6.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 91%
Employees
9
Volunteers
25
Highest pay
$85,720, former executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 68% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 31% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 82% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    24 of 25 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $285,621 spent. Community Investment & Engagement: Great parks make great neighborhoods, and great neighborhoods weave together into great cities. The Foundation collaborated with the community and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to support projects and programs that increase enjoyment and opportunity across the entire Minneapolis parks system expanding the benefits of great parks to all Minneapolis residents and visitors.In 2025, we hosted three new Walk & Talks for more than 100 participants and published coordinating self-guided tours, engaged community at two Next Generation of Parks events at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Capri Theater for more than 350 attendees, and partnered with MN Run Series and Twin Cities Twilight Relays as the beneficiary for two Minneapolis running events around Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska.
  2. $3.7 million spent. Transforming North Commons Park: Through a long-range planning process a top priority for the North Minneapolis community, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. A transformative 23.5 million campaign will modernize the park with a new multi court field house, indoor track, community gathering spaces and new outdoor pools. Activities in 2025 included 1) securing additional funding; 2) planning and hosting engagement events with community partners 3) hosting donor tours and fundraising house parties; and 4) promoting engagement and advocacy and amplifying park and project awareness.
  3. $119,179 spent. People for Parks Fund: Created in 2020 through our consolidation with People for Parks, this fund carries forward a 40-year legacy of grant making for small neighborhood-based projects and programs in Minneapolis Parks. In 2025, we (1) initiated the Fund's fifth grant cycle, distributing grants to local nonprofits and agencies; (2) documented the outcomes of 2025 grants with profiles on our blog; (3) hosted the Posters for Parks Show, a fundraising event with proceeds supporting the People for Parks Fund; (4) partnered with local businesses for dine-out nights and community runs with proceeds supporting the Fund; and (5) administered the Fund under guidance from the Advisory Committee, consisting of MPF Board Members and representatives from the community.Posters for Parks is an annual fundraising event that supports the People for Parks Fund. In 2025, 43 artists created original works of art which were sold at an in-person gallery event on October 11, followed by a week of online sales. Nearly 1,000 posters were sold, with half of each sale going to the artist and proceeds from the remaining half supporting the People for Parks Fund.
  4. $660,362 spent. Special Park Initiatives: The Minneapolis Parks Foundation raises funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other partners to support special initiatives in partnership with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. In 2025, this included projects such as the renovation of the Theodore Wirth House, the Jim Lupient Waterpark, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and more.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2005.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.