Live / Alternative Funding Strategies for Sustainable Community Impact
Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
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Hosted in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this webinar introduces practical strategies for identifying and securing alternative funding sources for park and recreation agencies. From grants and corporate sponsorships to public private partnerships and in-kind donations, participants will learn how to align funding with agency goals and community needs. Panelists will share real world examples of how alternative funding has successfully supported parks, programs, and services. This session is ideal for professionals seeking to diversify funding and build stronger cross sector partnerships.
This webinar is part of the NRPA Council Connection learning event series. Council Connection is an NRPA Business Council-led learning series aimed at addressing the most pressing topics in parks and recreation today. These sessions are led by subject matter experts on the council, developed in collaboration with park professionals, and are designed to foster leadership and innovation.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the concept of alternative funding including corporate sponsorships and public private partnerships and its importance in diversifying agency financial portfolios
- Evaluate the opportunities and challenges of pursuing alternative funding sources for parks programs and community services
- Analyze potential funding opportunities including corporate sponsors based on their agency’s mission goals and community characteristics
- Summarize case examples shared by panelists illustrating how alternative funding has supported successful projects and services
Chris Bass
Parks and Recreation Director
City of Douglasville, GA
Chris Bass is a dedicated park and recreation professional with over 15 years of experience working in local government. Chris currently serves as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Douglasville.Prior to joining the Douglasville team, Chris worked for the Columbus Consolidated Government for 10 years leading a division of the parks and recreation department that was responsible for youth development and promoting volunteerism throughout the bi-city area. Chris currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) and a member of the executive committee for the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). In 2022, Chris was recognized as the top young professional by the Douglas County Chamber. Chris attended Columbus State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in communication and a Master of Public Administration.
Becky Benná, CPRP
Alternative Funding Strategist for Public Agencies
Becky’s career has spanned over 40 years in the field of parks and recreation, serving communities with populations of 20,000 to over 1 million. Creative use of alternative funding has been her priority in helping agencies become more financially self-sufficient and sustainable in meeting the needs of their communities. Becky is past president of the prestigious American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and served six years on the NRPA Board of Directors.
Bret Gaither
Senior Director, Development
National Recreation and Park Association
Bret Gaither is the Senior Director of Development at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). With more than 20 years of fundraising experience - including 6 years in parks and recreation - Bret has a proven track record of building strong funding strategies and driving growth. He specializes in event fundraising, corporate partnerships, and individual giving, bringing creativity and strategy to every project. Passionate about connecting people and resources to meaningful causes, Bret is dedicated to helping communities thrive through the power of parks and recreation.
Anthony Iracki (Moderator)
Professional Development Manager
PlayCore
As an experienced Professional Development Manager, Anthony Iracki is dedicated to making a positive impact in the park and recreation industry. Based in Michigan, he's passionate about promoting inclusion, innovative programming, and community vitality.
This session will offer the following credits:
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| 0.1 IACET CEU | 1.0 AIA HSW LU | 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH |
CEUs for a total of 1 Professional Development Hours (0.1 IACET CEU / 1.0 AIA HSW LU / 1.0 LA CES HSW PDH)will be provided to learners meeting the following requirements:
- Be present for 95% of the duration of the learning event;
- Participate in activities and discussion throughout;
- Complete assessment with 80% mastery of learning outcome;
- Complete feedback/evaluation survey.
CEUs can be applied toward NRPA CPRP/CPRE renewal. To obtain your CEU, please visit the "Event Details" tab above to complete the associated components for this event.
Instructor(s) Disclosures:
The instructors of this training webinar are employed by PlayCore and disclose an interest in attendees partnering with PlayCore on their play and recreation initiatives.
Speakers Disclosures:
The opinions of the speakers in these events do not necessarily reflect the views of PlayCore and its brands.
Notes:
For any questions or to request a copy of the written transcript for this session, please contact core@playcore.com
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