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 the result of a Starbucks partner (employee) nomination. This is the third Neighborhood Grant awarded to FLAP over the last four years in recognition of its work to protect the natural and cultural resources and support the projects and programmatic opportunities at Lake Accotink Park.
“The Friends of Lake Accotink Park play a vital role in supporting the recreational and educational programs we offer at Lake Accotink Park,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Through their advocacy, fundraising and volunteer efforts, they help deliver a one-of-a-kind experience enjoyed by thousands of park guests each year from throughout the region.”
The Friends of Lake Accotink Park is an all-volunteer community-based organization with the mission to protect, restore and preserve the natural, historical and cultural resources of the park, promote educational and recreational opportunities and promote community use and stewardship of the park. All FLAP funds go directly to supporting projects, initiatives and programs to benefit the park.
“Whether it’s organizing and conducting cleanups, maintaining the 11 dog waste stations throughout the park, tending the pollinator garden or helping plan large community events and activities, this is absolutely a labor of love for our volunteers,” said FLAP President Mary Keeser. “From the woods to the waterfront, it’s a privilege to work in partnership with the Park Authority in bringing the community together to enjoy the wonderful experiences and opportunities available at Lake Accotink Park.”
The Friends of Lake Accotink Park was among 2,800 community organizations to be awarded the Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. The Starbucks Foundation’s 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 13,000 grants have been awarded to local organizations, amounting to more than $20 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 Foundation website.