Why do we need a fund raising campaign?
The newly completed 9,400 square foot Donner Memorial Visitor Center will be the focal point of Donner Memorial State Park and a main attraction of our Sierra region. However, the building is only a tool – It needs staff who knows how to use the tool and programming that best benefits the community and our visitors. The funds raised from this effort will insure that the Visitor Center is always available to serve our visitors and our community.
Why can’t the State pay for these costs?
California State Parks does not have a stable funding source for Visitor Center operations. Its annual operating budgets are difficult to predict and fluctuate wildly.
What does the State pay for?
The State paid for the building and exhibits design and construction though a specialized bond and a Federal Transportation grant. It will continue to provide park ranger staff to operate the park and campground, and provide basic property maintenance such as snow removal.
Why can’t State’s “found monies” pay for this facility?
The $20 million that was discovered in an undefined contingency account has been allocated to pay for much needed statewide-deferred park maintenance projects. None of these funds are available to cover operations costs.
Why now? Why this way?
17 years in the making, the Visitor Center will open its doors in January 2015. The campaign funds will assure that it is fully staffed, functional and ready for the public at the grand opening celebration in June 2015. Local individuals and business were surveyed to determine how the Visitor Center could best benefit them and how much they would likely donate.
How will the Visitor Center benefit our community?
It is expected that the new Visitor Center will draw 50,000 plus visitors and serve over 3,000 school children annually. A well-known study shows that for every $1 spent in a State Park, $17 is spent in the local community adding jobs and supporting local business. The Visitor Center represents our regional cultural and environmental heritage, a legacy that will be passed down to new generations, and provides a unique opportunity to learn about California history in a place where history unfolded.
What else will the campaign funds provide?
The campaign funds will ensure that this valuable community asset reaches its full use potential. Amenities, programming and activities that will be a part of the Visitor Center offerings include:
How much money will be raised in this campaign?
After careful analysis of associated costs and identification of potential funding sources it has been determined that without this fundraising campaign the Visitor Center would operate at a $60,000 loss annually. The campaign needs to raise a minimum of $60,000 before the doors open, with an overall goal of $1.8 million to guarantee the needed annual funds shortfall.
What is the consequence of this campaign not happening?
Without this fundraising campaign to provide stable and consistent funds for operations there will be periodic Visitor Center closings. All of the amenities, programming and special activities outlined as benefit of the campaign will not take place. Building and exhibit operations maintenance will be deferred by the State.
What will happen to the old building?
The old building will be cleared out and utilized for artifact storage and maintenance, and ranger and staff offices.
How do I know my donation will only be used for the Donner Visitor Center?
The Sierra State Parks Foundation is facilitating this fundraising campaign. It understands the trust donors put in an organization to make the best use of their dollars. Funds raised through this campaign will be placed in a Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center restricted account to be used as designated by the Foundation Board of Directors, and only for Donner.
What is the Sierra State Parks Foundation?
The mission of the Sierra State Parks Foundation (SSPF) is to provide critically needed financial and technical support to seven California State Parks in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region. It provides the funds for many programs and projects such aseducational and interpretive programs, museums with static and interactive displays, restoration and maintenance of historic park buildings and artifacts, cultural and environmental restoration, special events and activities, and much more.
What is the SSPF track record?
In its 40 year history, the Sierra State Parks Foundation has raised well over three million dollars towards fulfilling its mission. The Foundation also provides direct managerial support of park tour functions at Emerald Bay and Sugar Pine Point State Parks, and operates profitable retail book/gift stores at five park locations including Donner.
Sierra State Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Sierra State Parks Foundation can be named in your estate plans, and receive gifts of appreciated assets. Please contact the office for information.