Friends of Missoula Parks Inc

What it reported doing in 2025

Since its inception in 2002, Friends of Missoula Parks (FMP) has been a driving force in elevating the recreational landscape of our community. With a dedicated volunteer board and a strong network of supporters, FMP has spearheaded many impactful projects. These endeavors include the installation of bear-proof garbage canisters in local parks, constructing a crucial bridge over Rattlesnake Creek, and extensive trail enhancements on the iconic Mt. Sentinel.One of our flagship accomplishments has been creating a bridge and trail connection linking the Rattlesnake Valley to the University of Montana, facilitating easier access for residents and students alike. Additionally, we take pride in our contributions to developing bike parks at Syringa Park and Bellevue Park, providing exciting recreational opportunities for cyclists of all ages, and spearheading tree plantings at parks throughout Missoula. In addition to our direct initiatives, FMP also serves as a vital fiscal sponsorship organization, supporting various groups in their pursuit of enhancing public spaces. Among our sponsored initiatives are the Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, the Missoula Pickleball Project, The Clinton Skate Park Project, Friends of Marshall Mountain, and the Southside Lions Park Project.Through our collaborative efforts, FMP remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive recreational environment for all members of the Missoula community. As an example, In November 2023, FMP collaborated with Climate Smart Missoula, to move the FMP-sponsored Trees for Missoula (TFM) program from our organization to Climate Smart. Since its inception, FMP & TFM raised funds and awareness about the City of Missoula Urban Forestry program. By purchasing equipment and funding tree audits, ball-free tree-growth programs, wood-featured benches and sitting areas in park spaces, TFM became a driving forest in the health of our Urban Forest. In addition FMP & TFM organized tree-planting campaigns, complete with managing volunteer planters and pruners. FMP serves as a fiscal sponsorship organization for groups wishing to gain non-profit benefits who do not have their non-profit organization. These fiscal sponsorship agreements allow groups to provide tax benefits to their donors. Groups who have benefitted from sponsorship include Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park, the All-Abilities Playground, Trees for Missoula, the Missoula Pickleball Project, and The Missoula Community Center Project. FMP is governed by a board of volunteer directors serving three-year terms. FMP board members have been engineers, doctors, housewives, lawyers, scientists, retirees, and educators, among other professions. FRIENDS OF MISSOULA PARKS ACTIVE PROJECTS/FISCAL SPONSORSHIPS1. Partners in Parks (2012 to present). A collaborative effort with the Missoula Parks & Recreation Department and the City of Missoula to raise funds to support increased demands on Parks &Recreation services and programs, particularly in recreation for low-income children and their families. Project contact Donna Gaukler.2. All-Abilities Playground (2011 to present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project. The current focus is on providing funds to repair and maintain the All-Abilities playground at McCormick Park: project contact, Jenny Montgomery.3. Rattlesnake/University Connection System [RUX] (2010 to present). A collaborative effort with the City of Missoula to extend the non-motorized trail system and provide a safer pathway for pedestrians and cyclists between the University Footbridge (Van Buren Street Footbridge), downtown, and the Rattlesnake in two phases. Current efforts include maintaining a fund for future expansion: project contact Phil Gardner.4. Greenough Park Footbridge (2010 to present). No activity at present.5. Friends of Fort Missoula Regional Park (2006 Present). FMP serves as the fiscal sponsor for this project, which has t

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 68.2%; rating input score 68
• Program expense ratio: 98.3%; rating input score 98
• Fundraising efficiency: $7,940.64 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 100; 100th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 90%; rating input score 90; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 64th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 3 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 43
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Fail
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Missing
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Fail

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 30.8%; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.36; rating input score 63; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0; rating input score 77; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 3.6% per year; rating input score 100; 44th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 13.4% per year; rating input score 100; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 16% per year; rating input score 100; 77th percentile among comparable filings