Friends of Hollyburton Park ask advisory board for endorsement to pursue nonprofit status

Organizers of a newly formed Friends of Hollyburton Park told the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on May 20 that they are seeking the board's endorsement to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and begin fundraising and volunteer programs to support the park.

Presenters described a volunteer group that has been meeting over the past year and said the next steps are filing articles of incorporation with the North Carolina Secretary of State and applying to the Internal Revenue Service for tax-exempt status. They said the group meets monthly, has about 20 people on a mailing list, and plans to form a board with officers and a treasurer to handle fundraising and events.

Board members asked procedural questions about whether the group would need a memorandum of understanding to receive funds or lead projects on park land. Presenters said they plan to open a bank account after incorporation and that some volunteers bring prior nonprofit experience that can help with the Secretary of State and IRS filings. The presenters also requested permission to use the park's mailing address for incorporation paperwork.

A member moved that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board show its support for the Friends of Hollyburton Park so the group could proceed with incorporation and fundraising preparations. The meeting record in the transcript indicates an "all in favor" call and celebration afterward; the presenters thanked the board and said they would follow up with paperwork and next steps.

The group emphasized volunteer aims in addition to fundraising: recruiting ambassadors for park stewardship, organizing cleanups and organized events, and supporting staff during busy seasons. The board encouraged the presenters to work with the planning department as needed and to return with any requests for formal agreements or staff assistance.

The mayor, who the presenter said was briefed separately, is quoted in the meeting as telling the presenters, "Terry, that is unbelievable. That's wonderful," reflecting executive-level support mentioned during the presentation. The presenters said they intend to finalize governance documents and begin outreach and fundraising once incorporation is complete.

Next steps: presenters will file incorporation paperwork, coordinate with staff on any required memoranda for projects or donated funds, and return to the board with updates and requests for formal agreements if needed.