Friends of Hamilton County Parks Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The mission of Friends of Hamilton County Parks is to encourage, promote, benefit and maintain public parks and green spaces in Hamilton County, Indiana.
- Income
- $492,528
- Spending
- $281,275
- Spent on programs
- 77%
- Reserves
- 26.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 81%
- Employees
- 2
- Volunteers
- 30
- Highest pay
- $80,000, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 90% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 26.6 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 43% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 12% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1577% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 86 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 259 of 9 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 (1)
- $215,201 spent. At the Friends of Hamilton County Parks (FHCP), our mission is clear: to ensure our community has assess to parks aand amenities that meet the needs and expectations of eveyone. As we reflect on 2023, we are proud of the significant strides we've made to enrich our local parks and foster a vibrant community spirit.This tear, we provide essential funding to the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, enabling vital projects that enhance our park system. From the restoration of the historical Williams House at Coxhill to the revitalization of the centerpiece fountain, our efforts are making a lasting impact. We also proudly supported comcerts at Cool Creek Park, bringing joy and connection to our community through shared experiences.The support we've receive from donors continues to grow, showcasing a shared commitment to our parks. Our annual golf outing has evolved into an unique fundraising opportunity, attracting new sponsors and fostering relationships with local corporations eager to invest in our community's future.The FHCP Board has expanded, reflecting the diversity and representation of greater Hamilton County. This strong foundation allows us to pursue our strategic plan, which includes four key goals aimed at enhancing our parks and promoting healthy, active living.Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to launch initiatives aligned with the CDC's Active People, Healthy Nation campaign. We're also building relationships with the eight municipalities in Hamilton County to identify projects that will further support active living in our community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
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.
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.
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.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since October 2006.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
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.