Corporate Partnerships

The Accokeek Foundation was established in 1957 by private citizens who sought to preserve the view across the Potomac River from George Washington's Mount Vernon and to protect the Maryland shoreline from over-development. Now among the oldest land trusts in the nation, the Accokeek Foundation manages a 200-acre portion of Piscataway Park.

School children participate in hands on activities in the Museum Garden.

The Accokeek Foundation interprets this landscape through regular programs including the National Colonial Farm, a living history museum depicting life on an ordinary Maryland family farm on the eve of the American Revolution. Other Foundation exhibits and demonstration areas also reflect the region's agricultural heritage, including a museum garden featuring plants from Native American, European and African cultures, and the Ecosystem Farm, an eight-acre demonstration of sustainable agriculture and alternative energy technology.

We are a member organization supported by public and private donors. Eighty-nine percent of our income is used for program expenses. Corporate partners play an important role in helping us serve the public:

Tell your contacts about the Accokeek Foundation's events and programs through your website, newsletter, and employee meetings. Your clients and employees will appreciate knowing about these high-quality, affordable education and recreation activities.

Enable your employees to support us through your workplace giving campaign. Consider offering an employer matching gift to the Accokeek Foundation as a way to help your employees give back to the community.

Volunteers from Whole Foods work on the Ecosystem Farm

Let us help you organize a meaningful volunteer opportunity for your staff. Our corporate volunteers tell us that the beautiful setting and wide variety of projects provide perfect team building experiences.

Consider making a grant or other contribution to support an event or initiative. Through your corporate foundation or corporate outreach program, your cash or in-kind gifts are an effective way to show your commitment to the community, the environment, historic preservation, and education.

The Accokeek Foundation has been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations' Seal of Excellence through the Standards for Excellence program. The Foundation is a Catalogue for Philanthropy featured charity. The Foundation participates in the Combined Federal Campaign as a member of the Environmental Fund for Maryland. The Foundation also is a partner agency of the United Way of Charles County.

Volunteers from Marriott work on the Ecosystem Farm's high tunnel.

Corporate supporters include: Pepco, Susan Gage Catering, General Dynamics, The Washington Post, Chevy Chase Bank, Whole Foods, The Africa Channel, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dr. Robyn James, Atlantic Kayak Company, Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals, Arena Theater, Trader Joe's, Greenbelt Marriott, Potomac Riverboat Company, Henderson's Wharf, Poste Moderne Brasserie, Chuck's Butcher Shop, My Organic Market, Panera, and the National Aquarium.

The Accokeek Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to land stewardship, sustainable use of natural resources, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources of the Tidewater Potomac. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Documents submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 for the cost of copying and mailing.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

76% of consumers indicate they would switch brands or retailers to one associated with a good cause, when price and quality are equal.

87% of employees at companies with cause programs feel a stronger sense of loyalty to their employer.
Data from the 1999 Cone/Roper Cause Related Trends Report

The Accokeek Foundation offers excellent sponsorship opportunities for businesses seeking to invest significantly in the local community. Situated in Prince George's County, Maryland, the Accokeek Foundation is only about 12 miles from the nation's capital and serves about 25,000 visitors each year.

Sankofa African Dancers entertain the crowd during African American Heritage Day 2007

Events such as the Accokeek Foundation's annual African American Heritage Day attract visitors from all over the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and beyond. The population of Prince George's County is 66% African American, and the county is often cited as the most affluent African American majority county in the country. According to a recent article in the Washington Post, neighboring Charles County has the fastest growing African American population in the country outside of the Atlanta suburbs.

Approximately 600 people attend the annual African American Heritage Day, which celebrates the many ways that African Americans have shaped our region's culture. Each year we mail postcards and newsletters announcing the event to more than 6500 households. Our website has more than 10,000 visitors per month. Our weekly e-mail blasts go to about 115 media outlets and 300 other organizations and personal addresses.

Sponsorships range from general day sponsors to performance or activity sponsors, and sponsor fees vary from $1,000 to $10,000.

Sponsor benefits include:

Sponsors are listed on event signage, in the event program, in e-mail promotions, in press releases, and on the Accokeek Foundation's website

Performance sponsors are announced at the performance tent, and a representative from organization has the opportunity to introduce the sponsored performance

All sponsors are provided with a tented exhibit table, with access to electricity, for the event day.

Sponsor companies receive a free group pass for up to 10 employees and guests per day visit, valid for one year

Sponsors also receive a discount on corporate functions at the Accokeek Foundation for one year

Corporate giving offers wide-ranging bottom line benefits, including competitive advantage in attracting and retaining employees, closer relationships with community leaders and officials, greater customer loyalty, increased positive name recognition and brand awareness, and enhanced reputation and standing in the community.

To find out how your business can partner with the Accokeek Foundation to "do well by doing good," please contact Laura Ford, Development Director, at 301.283.2113, extension 24, or by email.