Friends Groups
Friends Groups support the mission, programs and long-term success of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Friends Groups partner with the department to strengthen community involvement, expand volunteer capacity and increase financial support for department sites.
An official Friends Group must be an incorporated nonprofit with bylaws and an organizational structure that clearly establishes its mission to support a specific department property, facility and/or program. It must enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with TPWD that defines the partnership and outlines roles, responsibilities and expectations.
Friends Group Objective
The primary objective of a Friends Group is to assist TPWD in the promotion, interpretation and operation of department sites (including Texas State Parks) and programs. This includes:
- Providing volunteers for interpretive, educational, visitor service and maintenance needs.
- Offering financial support for department operations, equipment, land acquisition, site development and interpretive initiatives.
- Hosting special events, writing grants and raising funds through memberships, donations and sales.
- Serving as key connectors to local businesses, community members, site users and civic leaders. By acting as ambassadors for the department, they help foster public understanding of the importance of department sites and support staff in fulfilling the mission of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Friends Group as Partners
Friends Groups are essential partners but they do not oversee daily operations or replace department management. Instead, they are collaborative partners.
Friends Groups work with staff to identify the group’s priorities, set goals and ensure fundraising and projects align with the department’s mission and approved plans. Friends Groups should not undertake projects or raise funds for initiatives without department approval.
Friends Groups are not formal advisory bodies but are valuable sources of public input.
They must remain nonpartisan. While they may educate the community about issues involving the department, they may not endorse political candidates or engage in partisan political activities.
We value the dedication and partnership of our Friends Groups. Their commitment strengthens the department and enriches the experiences of current and future generations.
Resources for TPWD Friends Groups
- Texas Administrative Code: Defines a nonprofit partner of the department and establishes the partnership framework between the Friends Group and the agency.
- COMING SOON - TPWD Friends Group Standard Operating Procedures – Requirements and Best Practices for TPWD Friends Groups.
- Volunteer Landing Page: Provides information on volunteering with TPWD, with links to the Volunteer Management System.
- Volunteer Management Policy (HR-21-01): Governs the volunteer program at TPWD.
- Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan: Guides TPWD’s mission to conserve land and water resources and to provide outdoor recreation for all Texans.
Resources for Texas State Parks Friends Groups
- Starting a State Parks Friends Group
- Friends Group Reports, Notices, and Requests Due Date Checklist (document to organize due dates of required reports per the group's MOA).
- State Parks Friends Groups List
- Texas State Parks Special Event, Media, Short-Term Concession Information and Application
- Email the State Parks Volunteer Program with questions about state parks Friends Groups.
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