Second Annual Friends Group Summit – Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center Future Project Collaborations Fund matching for success Blending state requirements with friends groups’ focus

Overview & Introductions Who we are….. Keith Cheli, Mackinac Regional Planner Dan Lord, Development Program Manager Why we’re here….. Interactive opportunity Share information Gather input Points of contact….(handouts) Unit Supervisors District Supervisors Regional Field Planners & Rec. Specialists Division Staff (planning & stewardship)

Iron Sharpens Iron – Team Effort & Approach It’s critical to function as a team. Support one another. Be informative. Be respectful. Set realistic goals. Be patient. Make it fun. Celebrate success.

What’s Changed in the Last Year Merger of State Forest recreation elements into the State Park system More campground, more trails, more Friends Groups Restructuring of staffing Blue Ribbon Panel to evaluate the long term focus and efforts of Michigan State Parks Diversity of projects Friends Groups are involved with Playgrounds Spray parks Trails Site amenities Historical restoration Operational & maintenance work Overall facility focus (Thompson’s Harbor & Rockport example)

How Projects are Funded Typically development projects fall into one of these categories 1.Division Based Project with Capital Outlay Funding or Grant 2.Gift & Acceptance Policy Based Project 3.Division Based Project with Organizational Funding All of these projects, because of being located on State lands, have specific requirements: 1.Align with the Department & Division goals 2.Adhere to legal stipulations 3.Internal reviews & approvals 4.Permits & fees (environmental, construction, etc) 5.Other agency reviews, inspections & approvals 6.Quality standards

Gift & Acceptance Policy Department policy Defined procedure for accepting a gift of a design and/or construction of a facility One version for large projects and a simplified version for site amenities Contractual agreement between an entity and the department addressing: Design, construction, inspections Insurances, bonding, indemnification Who’s doing what, where and how

Gift and Acceptance Policy Example – Bay City R.A. “Spray by the bay” spray park Over 100 individuals, corporate and foundation donors targeting $300,000 Many in-kind and donated items Direct control over vendors, contractors, materials and services Differences in phase 1 (Friends) and phase 2 (State)

Fund Raising Example Ideas

Fundraising Match Program Initially conceptualized around playground projects in April, 2011 Team assembled to lay the basic framework (Friends of Bay City, DNR Procurement, District Supervisor, Unit Supervisor, Division Development Unit) Looking for a flexible program compared to and modeled from the Recreation Passport local unit development grants and existing programs through Georgia and Wisconsin Intent – to leverage and match fund raising from state park friends groups and other qualified entities – Leveraging may consist of either a monetary grant or concurrent purchasing and construction activities administered by PRD up to 50% of the total project’s cost

Fundraising Match Program Evaluation & prioritization criteria: – Supports Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan Goals – Supports the Four Priorities of the DNR – Supports existing location Management & Stewardship Plans – Has been coordinated with and supported by the local state park or recreation area through an approved work item proposal – Expands recreation opportunities – Addresses visitor/public health, environmental safety or security problems – Expands or improves educational and interpretive programs – Restores habitat in a manner consistent with approved stewardship plans – Renovates historical structures and monuments

Fundraising Match Program Potential amount of annual funding = $350,000 – $50,000 towards “small tier” projects ($1000 – $10,000 range) Examples: materials for maintenance / renovation projects, programs or events – $300,000 towards “large tier” projects ($10,000 - $100,000 range) Examples: new infrastructure items, utility upgrades, etc. – Funds would need to be spent in 3 years Application Periods – Biannually, October 1 st & April 1 st Administered by the Division’s vacant Grant Analyst position Targeting October of 2012 to commence

Steps to Success – Elements to be Considered as a Basic Checklist Take a deep breath and plan ahead (repeat as needed)! Establish a consistent and inclusive basis for communication; this will help to add efficiency while minimizing confusion, misunderstandings & redundancies Get a Work Item Proposal (WIP) approved (internal review process) by the Unit Supervisor; addresses location, improvement type & related details Be aware of all applicable permits, codes, for federal & state law compliance Include barrier free accessibility of all elements, areas and features (ADA) Utilize the Regional Field Planner as a resource These projects need to enhance recreational value while representing & supporting the PRD Mission The theme & character needs to include the natural setting &/or cultural & historical resources Don’t forget about the long term maintenance & operation plan as well as funding

Now We’d Like to Hear from You! Questions about today’s presentation Questions about projects that you’re currently working on Input on the fund raising match program Thanks for your time!