Native yellow sunflowers in a field

Become a Friends Group Partner

Together we can make a big impact on the acquisition, protection, and enhancement of parks and trails in Minnesota.

Partnership Options

Friends Groups that partner with Parks & Trails Council help to build a community of caretakers and advocates.

Friends Group Partner Benefits

Minnesota Trails Magazine

Filled with guides and stories to inspire you to get out and enjoy Minnesota’s parks and trails, this quarterly magazine is mailed to members at the $35+ level.

Special Places Newsletter

This quarterly newsletter highlights important news in parks and trails and projects accomplished through member and Friends Group support.

cover of 2017 fall newsletter

Resources

Access a resource library designed specifically for Friends Groups (i.e. grant guide, liability insurance, how-to-guides).

Fiscal Client Eligibility

Friends Group Partners are eligible to become a fiscal client with Parks & Trails Council. Click the fiscal client tab for more information.

Gitchi Gami Trail Association and Superior Hiking Trail groups

One of the special services we offer our Friends Group Partners is fiscal sponsorship. This is a relationship when a 501(c)3 non-profit organization extends its legal and tax-exempt status to a partner group. Parks & Trails Council assumes the responsibility for receiving, holding, and administering funds on behalf of the Friends Group. Learn more about fiscal sponsorship by watching this video from Propel Nonprofits.

Fiscal Client Member Benefits

All Friends Group Member Benefits

Fiscal clients receive the Minnesota Trails magazine and Special Places newsletter and have access to the resource library.

Financial Account & Reporting

Creation and maintenance of accounting records and preparation of legal, financial, and tax reports as required for donors and funders.

501(c)(3) Status & Tax-Deductible Donations

Receive 501(c)(3) status under P&TC’s umbrella, which enables fiscal clients to be able to accept tax-deductible donations.

red tax deductible stamp

Online Donations

Fiscal clients can apply to have capacity to receive credit card donations online.

Fiscal Client Expectations

As Parks & Trails Council is taking on financial and legal liability, there are a few requirements of fiscal clients.

Sign a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement

The agreement encompasses the expectations of both parties. It should be signed by two members of the group who are authorized to make decisions on behalf of the group.

Provide Organization Information

  • Contact information for leadership
  • Mission statement
  • Articles of incorporation and bylaws, if such exist
  • Activity and project details

Use Expenditure Request and Deposit Sheet Forms

In order to make transactions with funds, utilize the forms provided by P&TC to the fiscal client.

Make Checks Payable to P&TC

Ask donors to make checks payable to “Parks & Trails Council of MN” to ensure the donation is directed to your group’s account.

Reach out to the Friends Group Program Manager if your group would like to become a fiscal client (651-370-7907 or friends@parksandtrails.org).