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Los Angeles Parks Foundation

EIN 26-2358338 · Los Angeles, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong92 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO ENHANCE, EXPAND, PRESERVE AND PROMOTE PUBLIC RECREATION, PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FOR THE DIVERSE PEOPLE OF LOS ANGELES.

Income
$3.1 million
Spending
$2.5 million
Spent on programs
72%
Reserves
7.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 94%
Employees
8
Volunteers
36
Highest pay
$240,050, president, secretary

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: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% 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 80% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    72% 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

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 76% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no 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, 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 (5)
  1. $1.4 million spent. The Los Angeles Parks Foundation's Special Projects Program funds are used to support a range of activities ranging from the design and implementation of major capital improvements, such as new multi-sport playing fields or playgrounds, to recreational programming. In 2024, construction of the Watts Skate Park was completed with support from The Skateboard Project, and a park forest was planted with support by Wells Fargo Bank at the Hansen Dam Recreation Center. Such funds are also used in support of citywide and special initiatives of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The Foundation serves as a fiscal and administrative partner for funders such as Nike, ESPN, and other corporate or philanthropic institutions that invest in recreation programs including PlayLA, Girls Play LA, and CoachLA. Grants from the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust were used to support the Hollywoodland Girls and Boys Camps, and funds from GPSN and other institutional donors were also used to support summer programming offered in City of Los Angeles parks. The Foundation ensures such funds are stewarded in accordance with donor intent and City partnership requirements and that all compliance and reporting responsibilities are fulfilled.
  2. $140,237 spent. The Park Events Program has historically funded park enhancement projects in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. In prior years, this program supported initiatives such as a Griffith Park traffic study and the development of the department's multi-year strategic plan. As of 2024, most event-related revenue is used to support the Foundation's general operating activities or, when event proceeds are designated for particular sites or projects, such revenue is allocated to the respective project under the Friends of the Parks program.
  3. $136,223 spent. The Friends of the Parks Program empowers local communities to support their neighborhood parks by contributing directly to funds managed by the foundation to support individual park projects and priorities. Activities supported by these funds include youth sports equipment and uniforms; holiday celebrations; seniors sports and cultural programs; and enhancements to park spaces such as fencing, water fountains, and walking paths. In 2024, the program supported meaningful improvements and community programming at several Los Angeles park locations, including EXPO Center, Venice Beach, Rustic Canyon, MacArthur Park, and Echo Park.
  4. $89,408 spent. OTHER PROGRAMS - SEE SCHEDULE O DESCRIPTION
  5. OTHER PROGRAMS INCLUDE ADOPT-A-PARK, LA PARK FOREST, DONATE-A-BENCH, PARK SPECIAL EVENTS, AND SMALLER PROJECTS. THESE PROJECTS PROVIDE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO RAISE PRIVATE FUNDS FOR SPECIFIC PARKS FOR SMALL SCALE IMPROVEMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS.

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

  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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since August 2008.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 November 4, 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.