Defining a Successful Partnership with a Non-Profit Organization

About the Program

Category: Volunteers (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

Constricting budgets are a problem across the nation; viable solutions must be as unique as the landscapes. El Paso County has faced a declining budget and has developed a financially productive relationship with a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. This volunteer organization has helped the Parks Division keep the Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers open with minimal tax support. While the Naturalist Docent Organization was started 30 years ago, the current partnership was established in 2006 through a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement defined the expectations by El Paso County and the Naturalist Docent Organization. This partnership started a healthy relationship that has proven to be very valuable to the citizens of El Paso County. In 2008, the volunteer organization contributed $170,000 and 5,750 hours to assist the county with the operation of two nature centers and continue their award winning programs.