The annual “Global Day of Giving” is upon us this holiday season and what better way to give back to your community then joining in on #GivingTuesday and donating to one or more of your favorite local nonprofits.
Noozhawk is teaming up with local nonprofits to encourage you to take part in the international day of giving, which takes place on November 30th, 2021.
It is no secret that this past year and a half has been full of challenges. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, local nonprofits need your support now more than ever.
Our Good for Santa Barbara Nonprofit Section provides all the resources you need to donate this holiday season, including a full Giving Guide with a list of local nonprofits who need your help this Giving Tuesday.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Dean Noble, Executive Director at Elings Park Foundation, to learn more about how the nonprofit is dedicated to making Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.
Elings Park
Question: What is the name & mission of your nonprofit?
Answer: Elings Park makes Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.
Q: How long has your nonprofit been in service?
A: Elings Park opened in 1985.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your nonprofit?
A: Need for more outdoor, recreation space in Santa Barbara.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded and what are your greatest needs?
A: The park is primarily funded through user-generated revenue. Our greatest needs are repairing infrastructure created forty years ago.
Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your nonprofit?
A: Elings Park is busier than ever. We were an important resource for “re-creation” during the worst of the 2020 epidemic.
Q: In what ways does your nonprofit utilize it’s funding?
A: All proceeds return to the community via our programs and facility.
Q: What types of fundraisers and/or programs does your nonprofit run?
A: We have an annual Chairman’s Council fundraiser. Camp programs for children, sports leagues and events are critical sources of revenue.
Q: Describe your organizations staffing models and internal operations. Has anything changed since the start of your nonprofit?
A: Elings Park is more than 2x the size of Disneyland. A streamlined staff of eight full time employees keep it running 365 days per year!
Q: How do people get involved/volunteer for your nonprofit?
A: Stop by our office at the top of Jerry Harwin Drive!
Q: What makes your nonprofit different from others?
A: What Central Park is to New York and Golden Gate Park is to San Francisco … Elings Park is to Santa Barbara! A beautiful, shared resourced open to all.
Q: What is one best kept secret or fun fact about your nonprofit that not everyone knows?
A: We have document over 140 bird species at Elings Park.
Q: How does the work of your nonprofit get communicated to the public?
A: Email and social media!
Q: Why should donors trust your organization and are there other ways to help outside of donations?
A: Elings Park has been transformed over the past two years. Please visit us to elevated your spirit, improve your mood and see the wonderful improvements first hand.
Q: Can you tell us one short-term goal AND one long-term goal that your nonprofit has for the next year?
A: Complete work on upgrading our soccer area restrooms and begin construction on an improved tennis facility.
Click here to support Elings Park mission to make Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.