General Questions about Friends of Staunton State Park
What is the mission of Friends of Staunton State Park?
Our mission is working in partnership with others to preserve, promote, and protect the wildlife, natural beauty and historic legacy of Staunton State Park for present and future generations.
Why does Staunton State Park need a Friends group? Isn’t it funded by the government?
Staunton State Park does not receive any funds from the State of Colorado. The primary sources of funding for state parks in Colorado are user fees and grants. For more details on funding for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, view the Annual Reports here. Funds from Friends of Staunton Park will remain one of the crown jewels of Colorado state parks and that its resources will be preserved from generations to come.
Staunton State Park looked fine to me on my last visit. Why does it need my help?
Much of the work of Friends of Staunton State Park occurs behind the scenes. We supported Staunton State Park by providing shuttle buses for the Grand Opening, absorbing the costs of offering a Kid’s Climbing Wall and a Kid’s Mountain Bike course at the Grand Opening, and purchasing an AED device for the Park.
Questions about Funding and Finances
How much of my donation is actually spent on preserving, promoting, and protecting
Staunton State Park?
Members of Friends of Staunton State Park volunteer their time and efforts so there are no staff or overhead costs. This means that your dollars can have the greatest impact in Staunton State Park. In our first year, we had some administrative and set up costs that we had to absorb to create a 501(c)(3) organization. Despite these one-time costs, 84% of every dollar collected and spend went directly to the benefit of Staunton State Park. The rest went toward necessary expenses that support our fundraising efforts such as the cost of goods sold and organizational fees.
Is Friends of Staunton State Park part of Colorado Parks & Wildlife or another State agency?
No. Friends of Staunton State Park is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3), so your contribution to Friends is tax-deductible.
Questions about Park Projects
How does Friends of Staunton choose which projects to fund?
The Park Manager at Staunton State Park submits requests representing the Park’s most pressing funding needs. Then, our volunteer Board of Directors reviews each proposal and commits to funding those that meet the necessary criteria, including importance, urgency, and compatibility with the Friends mission.
Who staffs the projects that the Friends of Staunton fund?
All projects we fund are performed by our volunteer board and active members of our organization. That is why it is critically important that we continue to maintain and increase membership.
I have a great idea for a project in Staunton State Park … will Friends fund it?
Suggestions can be sent directly to Friends of Staunton State Park. We will then pass these ideas on to the park manager for the appropriate consideration. Staunton State Park is the sole recipient of grants from the Friends. This policy ensures that we are consistently meeting the Park’s most pressing and current needs.
Questions about Helping Staunton State Park
How can I help care for Staunton State Park?
Your contribution continues the tradition of private philanthropy for Staunton State Park dating back when in 1986 Frances Staunton first donated her parents’ homestead to the State of Colorado to form the core of a new Colorado State Park. Your contribution enables Friends of Staunton State Park to keep making a positive difference in the Park. In addition, spreading the word about Friends is a great way to help! You can help us expand our network of people and organizations who share the desire to support Staunton State Park by referring others to our website and Facebook page.
Can I volunteer to work on projects in Staunton State Park?
Occasionally a project we fund requires the help of volunteers. All volunteers are enlisted and coordinated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in all Colorado state parks, visit the Colorado State Parks and Wildlife page. To find out more about how to apply for volunteer opportunities in Staunton State Park, email the park manager at staunton.park@state.co.us or call 303-816-0912.
How can I make a donation to Friends of Staunton State Park?
There are many ways to make a donation, including donating online with a credit card, spreading out your donation by setting up an automatic monthly gift or mailing a personal check to Friends of Staunton State Park at P.O. Box 695, Pine, CO 80470.
How are you affiliated with Staunton State Park? Can I give directly to Staunton State Park?
Friends of Staunton State Park is the official fundraising partner of Staunton State Park, which allows us to solicit donations on the Park’s behalf. Friends of Staunton State Park is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and therefore donations are considered tax-deductible. Contributing to Friends of Staunton State Park is the most direct and effective way you can participate in the stewardship of Staunton State Park. Contributions made directly to Staunton State Park are given via the governmental agency and dollars are not tax-deductible.
What benefits will I receive as a donor to or member of Friends of Staunton State Park?
We strive to keep you connected with the work of the Friends and informed about the impact of your donation with periodic updates from Staunton. You can find this information on our website and on our Facebook page. Most importantly, you will receive the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a direct role in the ongoing enhancement and preservation of one of the crown jewels of Colorado state parks.