Friends of San Damiano
A nonprofit partner helping San Damiano Park thrive
Friends of San Damiano is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping San Damiano Park flourish as a welcoming public destination for recreation, community gatherings, environmental stewardship, and meaningful experiences for people of all ages.
Working in partnership with the City of Monona and alongside community members, donors, volunteers, and local organizations, we are helping advance a long-term vision for the property, while building the resources and organizational capacity needed to sustain it for generations to come.
Our work combines thoughtful stewardship, community programming, private fundraising, and responsible planning to support a vibrant and financially sustainable future for San Damiano.
We envision a future in which people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can enjoy a natural lakeside destination that respects the environment, honors history, celebrates culture, invites recreation, and enriches the lives of everyone who visits.
A shared commitment to a public resource
San Damiano Park is owned by the City of Monona and serves as a community resource. Friends of San Damiano is an independent nonprofit organization that partners with the City to advance the property’s vision and support its ongoing use and stewardship.
Our respective responsibilities are defined by our partnership agreement and applicable City approval processes. Friends of San Damiano leads agreed-upon fundraising, programming, and operational activities while working to advance the park’s long-term plan. The City retains ownership of the property and the authority assigned to it under the agreement and applicable processes.
This partnership brings together public ownership, private philanthropy, community involvement, and nonprofit leadership to help San Damiano Park realize its potential.
Accountability & Transparency
We recognize the importance of public trust when stewarding a property that belongs to the community. Friends of San Damiano is committed to responsible financial management, thoughtful decision-making, and clear communication about our priorities, progress, and use of charitable resources.
We believe community members should be able to understand who leads our organization, how our work is funded, what we are working toward, and how our plans are progressing.
To support that commitment, we make key organizational and financial information available, including:
Leadership & Governance: Meet our Board of Directors and learn about our governance and oversight responsibilities.
Annual Reports & Financials: Coming soon!
Phase I Progress & Priorities: Coming soon!
We will continue to update these resources as information becomes available and as our work advances. We welcome questions and feedback from the community.
Leadership & Governance
Friends of San Damiano is guided by a Board of Directors responsible for organizational oversight, strategic direction, and fiduciary stewardship. Our Executive Director and staff lead day-to-day operations, fundraising, programming, partnerships, and implementation of Board-approved priorities.
We are committed to building the organizational capacity needed to advance our mission and support San Damiano’s long-term sustainability.
Review our bylaws and meet our Board of Directors.
Stay in the loop on San Damiano Park
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