Become a Friends Group Partner
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.
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.
Is your group interested in joining our Friends Group Partner Network? Submit our interest form linked below, and the Friends Group Program Manager will be in touch shortly!
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.
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.