The National Recreation and Park Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization that supports research, public policy and/or public awareness efforts that advance parks, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people exclusively through the strategic works of the NRPA.

The Foundation's primary focus is to provide long term funding in support of the park and recreation movement’s effort to improve people’s quality of life. The Foundation will achieve this through the building of an endowment fund. In addition, NRPF will provide a limited amount of funding for current year projects earmarked for immediate needs. Given the crisis of inactivity facing Americans, particularly the young, NRPF will provide resources for this effort as well as other priority areas.

Governance

The NRPF is a wholly separate organization from the National Recreation and Park Association with its own governance and bylaws. The Foundation's leadership represents a balance of professionals with extensive park and recreation movement experience as well as community and business leaders who intersect with parks and recreation in some way.

NRPF Current Board of Governors
Fran Mainella, Chair. Visiting Scholar, Clemson University's Parks, Recreation
and Tourism Management Department.
Robert A. Farnsworth. Chief Executive Officer, PlayCore
Lois G. Finkelman. NRPA Chair
Ronald D. Lehman. NRPA Past Chair, Commissioner, Channahon Community
Park District.
Eric W. O'Brien. Chairman, O'Brien & Sons.