Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation (Friends) is a non-profit organization whose 25 year mission has been to improve the quality of life for all Oakland citizens by generating funding and support for projects and programs which enhance and supplement recreational, environmental, educational, beautification and leisure activities offered through the Oakland parks and recreation centers. We do this by providing grants that (1) foster environmental education, recreation, sports or beautification of the Oakland parks, (2) encourage community gardens or (3) rehabilitate or maintain parks and recreation facilities. We also provide non-profit fiscal sponsorship to groups with similar goals who cannot afford to maintain their own 501(c)(3) status. Now, more than ever, these efforts need Friends's support

The Oakland parks and recreation centers aid over 29,000 people throughout our community, the majority being children and youth coming from all socioeconomic backgrounds. They provide educational and recreational programs that are a vital part of a child's growth. Over the last 20 years Friends has retrofitted over 55 playgrounds and ball fields throughout Oakland and provided over 150 grants to worthy programs. In 2002 alone Friends funded 14 grants that provided scholarships for camps, funded boating and swim lessons, and supplemented sporting programs such as Pee-Wee basketball and softball, to name a few. All of these grants leverage the volunteer efforts of those willing to coach our youth, teach environmental responsibility, or entertain the elderly. Friends rarely pays salaries. We, instead, attempt to give those willing to help others the means to do so. Friends is committed to serving Oakland's diverse ethnic community and, with others, target those facilities and programs most in need.

In addition, we have over 55 active fiscal agent accounts serving organizations building gardens, aiding in park maintenance and running programs such as band concerts. Each account touches numerous individuals of all ages and nationalities, supporting Oakland's multi-cultural traditions.