History of the Foundation

Established in 2007 by the Hampshire Township Park District Board of Commissioners, the Hampshire Park District Foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 Corporation. As such, it is an independent non-governmental organization founded to support, accept and distribute funds for the capital development of present park district facilities, for the advancement of park district programs and to hold and convey land for future development of public parks.

The Foundation is structured to accept funding for either specific programs or general current project needs. As such, all residents can participate in foundation giving. Small donations and in-kind gifts are evidence of community pride. Large donations that are earmarked for capital improvements leave a lasting legacy and stretch tax dollars.

Our Brochure

A handout with a simple overview of our organization.
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Foundation Programs

Scholarship Program

You can make sure every child in Hampshire Township who wishes to take part in Park District programs has an opportunity to do so. Park District staff administers the program that requires an application and submittal of current financial documentation. Must be a Hampshire Township resident to qualify for scholarship funds.

In-Kind Donations

Individual and companies may support the foundation with in-kind contributions of professional skills such as landscaping and building trades, gifts of material for a capital improvement project, or designated giving. Examples of items that could be donated include:

Picnic Table Ball-field upgrades
Park Bench Athletic equipment
Playground equipment Landscaping

Cash Giving

Individuals or companies that make donations to the foundation can be assured the money will go to a park or facility improvement. Donations may be earmarked for a specific program, i.e. Fire Truck Playground. Other cash donations will go toward general current project needs. The foundation board receives a list of capital improvements needed from the park district board of commissioners and staff. The Foundation Board will then determine how the money is spent.

Benefits of Donating

  • Make a tax-deductible personal or corporate contribution to the Hampshire Park District Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. 
  • Bequeath land, property, cash or securities. Your bequest will help to assure that future generations will enjoy the green of open space.
  • Purchase a living memorial of a tree to planted in a park in a location you choose for future generations to enjoy.
  • Help improve the parks through purchasing a bench, add landscaping, or install a park sign.
  • Give the gift of your time by volunteering to help the Foundation accomplish its goals and missions. 

Contact the Foundation

Check donations should be payable to the Hampshire Park District Foundation and mail to 390 South Ave., PO Box 953, Hampshire, IL 60140.

Have more questions?

Please email the Foundation at foundation@hampshireparkdistrict.org or contact Laura Schraw, Park District Executive Director at 847-683-2690 or laura@hampshireparkdistrict.org for more information.

Projects in our Community

Why fundraise for a playground? Doesn't the Park District collect taxes for this? 

The Hampshire Township Park District does not collect taxes for Capital Improvement Projects, which includes playground construction and park improvements. Playground construction is typically completed through Impact Fees, which are given to the Park District by the Village of Hampshire only if the Park District's request for funds is approved. The playground at Seyller was nearing the end of its useful life, which means that it was expected to be removed in the next 2-3 years. In anticipation of this, the Foundation raised money for a new playground for our littlest park goers! 

 

Thank You

Thank you to all who donated
to our new playground at
Ralph R Seyler Memorial
Park in 2016!