Public Affairs graduate students in the School of Planning & Public Affairs partnered with the City of Bondurant, Iowa to support the creation of a "Friends of the Parks" nonprofit organization. 

As Bondurant continues to grow and invest in its parks and recreation system, city leaders recognize the value of a community-based nonprofit that can deepen resident engagement, increase volunteerism, and expand fundraising opportunities to enhance and sustain local parks, trails, and recreational programming.

Students researched the initial formation of a 'Friends of the Parks" nonprofit, working in close collaboration with city staff. The project focused on developing recommendations for a clear mission and organizational structure, identifying legal and regulatory steps for nonprofit incorporation, outlining fundraising and outreach strategies, and establishing a framework for long-term governance and community involvement.

Key project components included:

• Research on best practices from existing "Friends of the Parks" organizations in similar communities
• Guidance on the legal process for nonprofit incorporation
• Recommendations for board composition, volunteer recruitment, and partnership development

Deliverables included a nonprofit formation guide tailored to Bondurant’s context, draft organizational documents, and a presentation of the proposed structure and strategy to city leadership and community stakeholders.

This project gave students practical experience in nonprofit development, civic engagement, and public-private collaboration—while helping the City of Bondurant build a sustainable and inclusive model to support its parks and recreation system for years to come.