San Francisco Parks Alliance to Shut Down Amid Financial Mismanagement

The San Francisco Parks Alliance is dissolving after it misused millions in restricted funds, leaving community groups and projects in limbo.

The Facts

The San Francisco Parks Alliance, a nonprofit integral to funding and supporting the city's public spaces, is shutting down following revelations of financial mismanagement. The Chronicle reports that the organization's board voted to dissolve the organization last week, after revelations that at least \$3.8 million in restricted funds were improperly used for operating costs. The nonprofit is now facing investigations from the city attorney and city controller, and a criminal probe by the district attorney.

The Context

The misuse of restricted funds by the Parks Alliance came to light after its longtime CEO, Drew Becher, resigned in February 2025. The organization had been a key player in managing funds for over 80 neighborhood groups and park projects, and in raising private donations to support park improvements and events.

The Parks Alliance has a long history, dating back to its predecessor organization Friends of Recreation & Park's founding in 1971. In 2011, it merged with the San Francisco Parks Trust to form the current organization. The Alliance has been instrumental in funding and supporting local park projects. It functioned as a fiscal sponsor for numerous community groups, enabling them to manage donations and fund projects without obtaining separate nonprofit status.

The GrowSF Take

This is a huge loss for San Francisco. The Parks Alliance has played a crucial role in funding and supporting local park projects, and its dissolution leaves a significant gap in the city's ability to manage and improve public spaces. The misuse of funds & shutdown not only jeopardizes ongoing projects but will ripple through our parks system for the years to come.

It's not yet clear how the organization was able to misspend such a large amount of money without the Board of Directors becoming aware. We hope the City's investigations will shed light on this issue.