Resources
This page has many resources categorized into two sections. The first overviews resources you may use if you are trying to start a Friends group. The second provides general resources and information you may use to boost funding or strengthen your organization.
Getting Started
If your local State Park does not have a Friends group, you may be looking to start one. Here are some steps to take:
Reach out to us!
We’ve compiled guidelines for friends groups just getting started: Guidelines
Reach out to your state park.
Look through some non-profit resources here:
The Colorado Nonprofit Association: https://www.coloradononprofits.org/
Community Resource Center: Colorado Collaborative for Nonprofits: http://www.coloradocollaborative.org/community-resource-center.html
The Board Doctor: https://theboarddoctor.org/
Bloomerang: https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/
General Resources
Comprehensive Guidebook:
This downloadable PDF has information on the following:
Nonprofit and Organizational Development
Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Management
Trails and Conservation Advocacy and Training
Marketing and Public Relations
Funding
Legal
Operations
Networking
If you still have a question, need more, or want to send along a resource, please email us.
Featured Resources:
- Grant Writing Tips from NEEF and Community Centric-Fundraising from Gunnison Community Resource Center
- Communicate effectively … utilize The Language of Conservation! How you say it makes a difference … learn what resonates with the public!
- The Colorado Parks Foundation Spring Grant Cycle: read the welcome letter here and review the grant guidelines here ... and then apply for the grant (it's easy compared to many grants)!
- A Sample of a recent Annual Report from the Friends of Colorado State Parks
- "Strategic Planning" by the Community Resource Center.
Funding Resources:
ReFUND Colorado
This new state program, called ReFUND CO, will give taxpayers and donors an opportunity to directly support a local nonprofit that is doing important work in your community through their state income tax refund.
https://cfgv.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ReFUND-CO-How-To-for-nonprofits.pdf
National Environmental Education Fund: https://www.neefusa.org/
Leave No Trace Resources:
Media Resources
Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with Leave No Trace to produce Care for Colorado. Their website offers media kits that parks can use to post on their social medias or websites to help boost their Leave No Trace initiative.