The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) was selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program. This grant award is thanks to a nomination from a local Starbucks partner (employee) who recognized FLAP’s work to protect the natural and cultural resources and support the projects and programmatic opportunities at Lake Accotink Park.
“Fairfax County boasts one of the largest gold-standard park systems in the country, and the quality and variety of experiences available in our park system is directly tied to the active participation and support of our Friends organizations,” said Jai Cole, executive director of the Fairfax County Park Authority. “For years, the Friends of Lake Accotink Park have played an integral role in supporting – both financially and with good old-fashioned sweat equity – a wide variety of educational and recreational programs, as well as preserving and teaching about the amazing cultural and natural resources within the park.”
“We’re an all-volunteer community based, organization with 100% of all donations to FLAP supporting many projects and programs within Lake Accotink Park,” added FLAP President Mary Keeser. “Whether organizing and conducting cleanups, maintaining the 11 dog waste stations, tending and teaching classes at the pollinator garden or helping to plan and sponsor large community events and activities, FLAP is proud to play a leading role in bringing the community together to learn, enjoy and to preserve the wonderful experiences and opportunities available at Lake Accotink Park.”
The Starbucks Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities. Since 2019, more than 10,000 grants have been awarded to local organizations, amounting to more than $15 million.
“Our partners (employees) know their communities best and have shared great insights about the organizations helping to uplift others in their neighborhoods, from supporting youth and families to fighting hunger and promoting environmental stewardship,” said Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our latest round of Neighborhood Grants, we’re proud to support local organizations nominated by Starbucks partners who make our communities stronger.”
The Friends of Lake Accotink Park is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to encourage an active interest in promoting cultural and natural resource stewardship, activities and projects, as well as to promote recreational opportunities at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia. For more information, please visit the FLAP website.
The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. Learn more by visiting the Starbucks Stories website.