#HealthyAtHome, the Power of Parks, and Some Good News! 🌳
Dear Friends of Town Branch Park:
It’s been said that as it relates to this pandemic, “We are all in the same storm, but we are not in the same boat.” I’ve been thinking a lot about this, particularly in regard to public spaces and access to nature. Certainly, our situations are not all the same.
With the issuance of “Healthy at Home” orders, we have been asked to stay inside our homes as much as possible, but are encouraged to walk around our neighborhoods, visit nearby trails to exercise and get outside for fresh air. For me, the outdoors have been a place of respite and renewal, helping me to stay mentally and physically healthy during these trying times. I am able to weather this storm, in part, because I can walk through my neighborhood without concern for my safety or hop in my car to visit nearby trails or walking paths.
I am all too aware that this is a real luxury during these stressful and uncertain times - a luxury not available to everyone because of safety issues, a lack of pedestrian infrastructure or access to public spaces and walking trails.
It is more apparent than ever that public parks and green space are a true necessity that connects, uplifts, and heals our community. Now, more than ever, we must commit to equitable access to parks and green spaces for all to enjoy and continue the momentum we have created to invest in a world-class vibrant urban park in the heart of downtown Lexington.
Like most organizations, our dedicated staff is working remotely, and we have postponed events and made many other adjustments to our work schedule. While Town Branch Park remains financially strong thanks to our early and very generous donors - our fiscal stewardship during these difficult times has led us to trim our budget and suspend all outside contracts, except those directly related to design.
The Town Branch Park team remains steadfast in its efforts to move the the project forward. During this time, we are continuing the park’s design process, connecting and sharing with the public via social media, pursuing new grants, and more. Thanks to your support, we are an agile and forward-thinking organization dedicated to positively transforming our community for current and future generations.
We recently posted an op-ed from The Trust for Public Land on our social media sites and my favorite quote from the article is worth repeating:
“Now is the time to … make bold plans for the future, to ensure the healing nature of public parks are available to all, for generations to come.”
I couldn’t agree more. Our staff and board are committed to the bold vision of Town Branch Park. Through our continued work together, we believe Town Branch Park will not only be an extraordinarily beautiful space, but also a community living room that contributes to the vitality of all of Lexington.
Thank you for all you do to invest in and improve this great community that we are fortunate to call home. Even in the midst of the storm, the sun is still shining and we look forward to connecting with you safely and personally again soon. In the meantime, please follow us on social media!
Wishing you health and safety!
Allison Lankford
Executive Director
There IS good news! The National Council of Nonprofits estimates that the universal charitable deduction provision included in the CARES Act could inject over $1 billion back into the nonprofit sector.
The CARES Act rewards all taxpayers for their generosity. The law allows all taxpayers — regardless of whether they itemize or take the standard deduction — to deduct total charitable cash contributions of up to $300 on their 2020 federal tax return.
If you make larger gifts, you will be able to deduct a much higher amount. Under current law, an individual may deduct up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for charitable deductions of cash. The stimulus package lifts that restriction, so that an individual can make a gift of cash only (not gifts of stock) and deduct up to 100% of their AGI for the year 2020.
Corporations have much greater incentives to make charitable gifts. Usually, this is limited to 10% of taxable income for the corporation. That limit has been increased to 25% of the taxable income, making charitable gifts much more attractive to many companies. A similar limitation on corporate giving of food inventory, currently limited to 15%, has also been boosted to 25%.
Bluegrass Youth Sustainability Council and Town Branch Park Featured on KET Assignment Education
The BYSC has been a partner and valuable gift to Town Branch Park, providing essential youth insight on our Park’s design, programming, art installations, and more. We are thrilled KET was able to put a spotlight on the amazing work these students are doing to help shape the future of Lexington.
Among the remarkable students featured are the BYSC Town Branch Park Committee Co-Chairs Tatum Fowler and Claire Qian, both graduating this May. Town Branch Park would like to say thank you, congratulations, and good luck to the entire Class of 2020. The future looks bright with these young people leading the way!
May 5th is #GivingTuesdayNow, a day to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while practicing physical distancing. #GivingTuesdayNow is an opportunity for people around the world to stand together in unity—let’s rally on May 5th and show our gratitude for our amazing community and #TeamKentucky.