Friends of Paterson Parks a Nj Nonprofit Corporation
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Friends of Paterson Parks is a non-profit organization based in Paterson New Jersey. Its mission is to protect enhance and advocate for the citys park system by pursuing grant opportunities soliciting corporate donations conducting annual fundraising campaigns and pursuing all available avenues of fundraising exclusively for the benefit of the city parks. The organization was founded in 2019 by dedicated volunteers passionate about preserving and improving Patersons parks. They recognized the importance of public green spaces for the health and well-being of the community and the vital role that parks play in creating a sense of place and identity for Patersons residents. One of the key ways that Friends of Paterson Parks supports the citys park system is by pursuing grant opportunities. The organization works with government agencies private foundations and other organizations to secure funding for park improvement projects such as the installation of new playground equip
- Income
- $254,215
- Spending
- $551,664
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 4.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 11
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 117% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 63% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 68% of charities in its peer group (recreation and sports, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
5 of 250 of 11 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.
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 June 30, 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 (3)
- ROBERTO CLEMENTE PLAYGROUND - THE FRIENDS OF PATERSON PARK HAS PLAYES A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PATERSONS FIRST INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT ROBERTO CLEMENTE PARK. WE SECURED FUNDING FOR THE NEW PLAYGROUND.
- CLINTON STREET PARK - THE ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO PROVIDING PATERSON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WITH FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC GREEN SPACES FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY.
- $551,664 spent. THE FRIENDS OF PATERSON PLAYED FPP A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN TRANSFORMING LESTER TITUS FIELD INTO A SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE PLAY SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY. THROUGH THE COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF PATERSON NJ - FPP SECURED THE SUPPORT OF MARILYN CLARK WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED $600,000 TO THE PROJECT
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 2019.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.