Donation Opportunities

There are two methods for citizens to donate to Salem parks and leave a legacy for the benefit of future generations:  the Parks Tradition Fund and the Salem Parks Foundation. All gifts are tax deductible and allow individuals or groups to designate donations to improve the park system. Donations can be made to honor an individual or group, celebrate a birthday, celebrate the birth of a newborn, recognize the date of a wedding or anniversary, remember a loved one, or for any special occasion when gift giving is appropriate.

Each individual, group, or organization contributing to either program will receive a letter of appreciation for the donation. If a donation is offered as a gift to someone special or as a memorial to a loved one, the person honored will be notified by a letter ideal for placement in a keepsake album. When appropriate, a formal Certificate of Appreciation, suitable for framing, will be presented to those deserving special recognition for contributions to parks and recreation programs.

The Parks Tradition Fund is managed by the City of Salem Parks Operations Division staff. Donations to this fund are typically under $500 and are designated for a specific park or program.  Items are almost limitless, but can include:

• Park equipment
• Playground equipment
• Trees and shrub planting
• Facility improvement projects
• Recreation programs and scholarships
• Youth recreation programs
• Sports equipment

The Salem Parks Foundation has created an opportunity for citizens to donate large gifts to city parks. Gifts donated to the Foundation are typically over $500. They can be designated for a specific park or program, or can be unspecified. Charitable gifts include:

• Cash donations
• Life insurance gifts
• Gifts of real estate
• Appreciated stocks and bonds
• Other charitable gifts

For additional information on donating, call 503-588-6336 or email SalemParks@cityofsalem.net.