Friends of Ute Valley Park Is Now an Independent Nonprofit

Friends of Ute Valley Park is proud to share that we are now an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After nearly a decade operating under fiscal sponsorship, FUVP has completed the work of standing up as its own organization, a milestone that opens new doors for how we support and care for Ute Valley Park.

For most of our history, the Trails and Open Space Coalition served as our fiscal sponsor, and we are deeply grateful for their years of support. That partnership allowed us to operate with minimal cost while we grew into the organization we are today, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside TOSC and the many other friends groups across Colorado Springs.

As the costs of fiscal sponsorship rose and our board set its sights on bigger goals, we and TOSC mutually agreed that independence was the right next step for FUVP.

Becoming an independent nonprofit was a bigger undertaking than we expected. Our board worked through a 92-item checklist that included drafting bylaws and policies, incorporating in Colorado, applying for and receiving our IRS determination letter, opening a bank account, acquiring insurance, and registering for charitable solicitations in the state.

It took dozens of volunteer hours and what felt like just as many government forms, but we are grateful to be through it and proud of what our board accomplished to put FUVP in the strongest possible position for years to come.

Independence also expands what we can do. As our own organization, we can now apply for grants, sell merchandise, and raise funds in new ways, all of which strengthen our ability to serve the park.

Our mission remains the same: to help preserve and care for Ute Valley Park by building local support among the people who use and love it. That work will always center on volunteer efforts, education, volunteer appreciation, and on-the-ground projects when the city brings us opportunities.

You can learn more about getting involved or support our mission.