NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION

Programs

1. Programs and partnerships - nrpa leverages its relationships with several different key corporations, foundations, the federal government, and nonprofit organizations to bring greater resources to local park and recreation agencies. Focusing on advancing our strategic goal of maximizing community health and well-being, nrpa manages communities of practice and provides training, technical assistance, resources, professional development, and grant funds to local park and recreation agencies to increase access to quality parks and green spaces, improve health outcomes, and create resilient communities. In support of these goals, the organization provided over $1.7 million in grant funding, impacting more than 3.2 million people through these programs.

   $5,822,372 spentof which $1,789,925 as grants
   30% of program spending

2. Annual conference - the nrpa annual conference is the largest gathering of park and recreation professionals in the united states. Each year, this highly anticipated event attracts 8,400+ participants, which includes 225+ education sessions and 500+ exhibiting companies on the tradeshow floor. Education sessions cover topics such leadership and management, public relations, planning, design and maintenance, recreation programming, and more. Booth displays in the exhibit hall feature a variety of park and recreation products and services including playground and maintenance equipment, lighting, flooring and athletic surfaces, uniforms, score boards, shelters, public restrooms, splash pads, computer systems and software and arts and crafts. The nrpa annual conference connects park and recreation professionals with peers, contacts for purchasing the supplies and materials needed for their agencies, and provides learning opportunities that inspire ideas and concepts to help park and recreation professionals learn, grow and improve the communities they serve.

   $4,539,117 spent$7,430,271 earned by the program
   23% of program spending

3. Certification and accreditation - nrpa has over 25,000 certified individuals in the areas of aquatic facilities, playground safety, general parks and recreation, and executive parks and recreation. The nrpa board of directors established the national certification board to administer the nrpa professional and occupational certification programs in accordance with the goals and values of the association. Each program reviews best practices through a job analysis approximately every 5 years and examinations are updated accordingly. Nrpa also has 222 accredited park and recreation agencies (including municipal through state and military). The nrpa board of directors established the commission for accreditation of park and recreation agencies (capra) to administer the accreditation program in accordance with the goals and values of the association. The capra accreditation standards are reviewed approximately every 5 years, and the accreditation program is updated accordingly. Accreditation standards include focus areas such as agency mission and purpose, community and park planning, human resources, financial management, risk management and more.publications and advertising - nrpa…

   $3,109,169 spent$3,445,436 earned by the program
   16% of program spending

4. Marketing and engagement - the marketing and engagement team drives the organization's overall communication, marketing, and advocacy strategy. Our goal is to recruit, connect and engage park and recreation professionals to advance our mission and to leverage our research, program and communication resources to advocate for durable investment in park and recreation systems. Through our annual park and recreation month campaign, we provide tools, resources and templates and drive public engagement in our core message that park and recreation systems are critical community infrastructure.

   $2,125,651 spent
   11% of program spending

5. Membership dues - nrpa has over 65,000 members, including park and recreation professionals and advocates. Nrpa also offers exclusive member networks to support their professional needs. These networks deliver enhanced opportunities for collaborative exchanges between members and the chance to participate in multiple groups on a national level, including approximately 50 network meetings a year. They also provide opportunities for members to engage in leadership roles and give back to the field of parks and recreation. Another professional engagement opportunity is through nrpa connect, an online professional networking tool that allows park and recreation professionals to connect across the country. Members receive information, ask industry questions, and get insight into trends in the field from their peers and subject matter experts. Nrpa connect holds over 4,000 member-shared resources.public policy - National Recreation and Park Association has been a resource for park and recreation professionals to support belonging, well-being and joy in their own communities. We know when park and recreation agencies are well-funded and able to provide high-quality services, everyone…

   $2,024,357 spent
   10% of program spending

6. Professional development - professional development - nrpa provides park and recreation professionals with learning opportunities that support professional development and help their park and recreation departments to effectively meet the essential needs of the communities they serve. What's more, nrpa consistently keeps the field up to date on conservation and resiliency efforts, health and wellness initiatives, as well as achievements in advancing access to parks and recreation centers for all. Research and learning - nrpa is an ultimate resource for best practices, case studies, and comprehensive data that are national standards for park and recreation professionals and the wider communities they support. Our service and publication offerings include evaluations of direct services and programs (including both capital and operational investments by park and recreation agencies), nationally representative surveys of park agencies and the general public who engages with parks and recreation, white paper reports on special topics (e.g., the economic impact of parks) often done in partnership with leading scholars and subject matter experts, peer-reviewed academic journals on park…

   $1,940,858 spent$879,484 earned by the program
   10% of program spending

The 6 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $19,561,524.