Donor Recognition

• $55,000 GRANT from the Buyck Trust

• $175,000 GRANT from the Geneseo Foundation for Phase 1 of the Master Plan.

• $10,000 GRANT from the Geneseo Foundation to be received annually for the next 4 years. This has allowed the Park District to continue to offer FREE Swim Lessons to all Geneseo School District 3rd graders and added 4th graders in 2025.

• $40,000 GRANTS from Geneseo Foundation to support the FUNding Positive Recreational Experiences Scholarship Program. This was the 1st & 2nd of 3 installments. FUNding POSITIVE RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES is a Financial Assistance Program that strives to remove the financial barriers that may prevent Park District residents from enjoying a Positive Recreational Experience. In 2025 the Foundation gave out 30 scholarships.

• $54,000 GRANTS from Geneseo Foundation to support Free Community Activities and Programs. This was the 1st & 2nd of 3 installments.

• $30,000 GRANT from the Geneseo Foundation to help support the Discovery Club Programs. These programs are Free for Members and offer children a variety of Activities that are fun, educational, and offer opportunities for exploration and discovery.

• $3,000 DONATION unrestricted donations.

• $1,000 DONATION from the Karen & Wilmar Kohne Fund to support Anderson Park.

• $1,000 DONATION for the Steve Adams Memorial Art Scholarship – allowed young artists to take one art class through Geneseo Park District/Smith Studio for free.

• $11,000 DONATION from The Keppy Foundation and private donors for gymnastics coaches’ fees and the competitive gymnastics program.

• $15,000 DONATION from the Francis G. Miller & Betty J. Miller Foundation towards the shelter and picnic tables at the Athletic Field.

• $3,500 DONATION from Geneseo Youth Basketball to purchase new basketballs for the program.

• $2,500 DONATION from Rotarians for a new sound system in the Active Adult/Senior Room.

• The 2nd annual Play it Forward Geneseo Sports Equipment Swap Fundraiser was held.

• Preschool, Swim Team & Gymnastics Apparel Stores – Online apparel fundraisers to help support each of these program areas.

• In 2023 the Steve Alexander Memorial Scholarship was established. Thanks to donations made in memory of Steve Alexander, the Geneseo Park District Foundation will fund the Steve Alexander Memorial Lifeguard Certification for a minimum of five years (2027). Steve came back to work at the Geneseo Park District on June 18, 2018. There is a maximum of 10 patrons per course. This memorial will honor Steve, help train future lifeguards and remove the financial barrier that may prevent some from being able to participate in this course.

• In 2024 the Geneseo Park District Foundation received a 9% bonus from Birdies for Charity.

Due to the community’s continued support, the Foundation has been able to help the Geneseo Park District offer the following free events and programs.

• FREE ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTSsuch as the Outdoor Summer Movie Night series, Easter Egg Hunt, Turkey Trot, Special Skate Nights, Kayak Class, Flick & Float, Back to School Bash, Santa at the Center, Jinglebell Obstacle Course, Storytime Theatre Program, Free Swims and Free Inflatables, & more. Learn More >
• FREE MOVIES at Central Theater over Springbreak and Christmas. Learn More >
• FREE WATER WALKING in the John & Carla Edwards Aquatic Center’s Current Channel. Learn More >
• FREE  SWIM LESSONS for all 3rd and 4th grade students. Learn More >
• FREE ACTIVE ADULT/SENIOR ACTIVITIES including a variety of fitness & social activities are offered for free each month. Learn More >
• In honor of past board member Alexandra Cechowicz, the Foundation Board implemented a new policy honoring Park District Board members, Geneseo Park District Foundation Board Members and staff. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on October 4, 2025. Currently there are a total of 89 pavers installed along the Joni Beck Remembrance Pathway at Anderson Park. Learn More >

Geneseo Park District Foundation Donor Wall Rules & Regulations

• All monetary donations to the Foundation over $500 will be eligible to be included on the donor wall in the main hallway of the Geneseo Community Center with a few exceptions. Because donor recognition programs are already in place at Anderson Memorial Park, Make a Splash and for benches these recognition programs will remain the same.
• Parktoberfest sponsorships, live and silent auctions purchases, and raffles are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law but will not be recognized on the donor wall. Goods or services are received in exchange for all of these Parktoberfest items.
• The donor wall will be updated once annually in January of every year.
• The Geneseo Park District Foundation will establish the placement of the acknowledgment on the donor wall. Donors will be responsible for completing the provided form indicating how they would like to be recognized within the established guidelines as indicated on the provided form.
• The Geneseo Park District Foundation has the final authority to remove any public acknowledgment of a previously honored donor. 

Donations are split into the following 6 levels.

• Orange Leaf $500 - $999
• Green Leaf $1,000 - $4,999
• Yellow Leaf $5,000 - $19,999
• Red Leaf $20,000 - $49,999
• Brown Leaf $50,000 - $99,999
• Multi-Color $100,000+