The Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation has been selected as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (District 78).

The annual California Nonprofit of the Year initiative is an opportunity to celebrate the government-nonprofit partnerships that support local economies and communities. For the past ten years, legislators from across California have chosen a Nonprofit of the Year in their district as a celebration of California Nonprofits Day which is celebrated on May 21.

Assemblymember Ward shared, “Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation exemplifies what can be accomplished when community and government come together to protect access to natural spaces for all. Parks like Mission Trails play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis, safeguarding our region’s biodiversity, and providing environmental education that inspires the next generation of leaders.”

The MTRP Foundation is one of more than 100 nonprofits across California that have been named a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year. The organizations were honored at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 21 by state senators and assembly members for their outstanding contributions to their communities.

Jennifer Morrissey, Executive Director of the MTRP Foundation, said, “Since 1988, the MTRP Foundation has helped to protect and steward Mission Trails, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Recently, thanks to funding from the San Diego River Conservancy, a state agency, we are growing the park and conserving open space in perpetuity for the appreciation and enjoyment of current and future park visitors.”

The MTRP Foundation is governed by a visionary Board of Directors, supported by a small, dedicated staff, and bolstered by volunteers who dedicate themselves to providing for the park and community. The Foundation receives its funding through contributions from individual donors as well as from grants and other sources, including the Visitor Center Gift Shop.

Andy Field, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of San Diego, added, “The City of San Diego has benefited from our partnership with the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation through their stewardship of the park for more than 30 years. Their support has led to a tremendous amount of investment in this regional treasure, including additional funding, the construction of the Visitor and Interpretive Center, and working alongside City staff to ensure that the park is preserved, protected, and can be enjoyed by future generations. We congratulate the MTRP Foundation on this well-deserved recognition!”

In addition to the MTRP Foundation’s conservation and habitat restoration efforts, the organization offers a range of free educational programs that serve the community, from toddlers to adult learners. The programs provide equal access to outdoor education and foster a sense of place and environmental stewardship.

The California Nonprofit of the Year program is sponsored by CalNonprofits in partnership with the state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector. CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California’s nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across the state.

To help the MTRP Foundation continue to preserve, improve, and expand Mission Trails, community members are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation to support the Foundation’s work.