About Us
To be a life-enhancing force on youth by investing strategically in recreation with a special focus on programs for those who are economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.
The National Recreation Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation administered by a Board of Trustees composed of citizen members. The Foundation was started to initiate and support the promotion and development of leadership, programs, and facilities through recreation and parks.
A Foundation Supporting Youth and Healthy Lifestyles
Almost 20 years after the NRF's adoption of the emphasis, "At-Risk Youth" and "Healthy Lifestyles", they continue to be pertinent is- sues that our society faces. Millions of young Americans still face neglect from their parents, schools, communities, and government, which severely constrain their opportunity for leading a healthy and productive lifestyle. However, as we have seen over the past several decades there are organizations that are challenging the dominant forces to give hope and opportunity to those that need it the most.
In recent years, there has been an acknowledgment of a need for policy change and improvement in the U.S. healthcare system which has brought us to the crossroads of the public health debate. Increasingly, the discussion has included the role of parks and recreation organizations as a tool for preventative healthcare. Obesity has been identified as the fastest rising issue related to public health and if current rates continue, by 2018 approximately 103 million Americans will be regarded as obese. It has been well documented that recreation participation often leads to healthier living, reduced obesity, and overall improvements in health.
The organizations that are supported by the NRF provide the guidance, support, and resources that are critical for changing the outcomes, whether it is related to reducing anti-social behavior and developing citizenry, or increasing activity levels and promoting proper nutrition in youth and young adults. The NRF gives funding priority to those organizations who are working to coordinate ef- forts among local, state, and national agencies that address these issues, as well as to those programs that focus on outcomes that lead to significant social change.
In 1995, the Foundation selected “At-Risk Youth” and “Healthy Lifestyles” as issues of emphasis. Millions of American youngsters are neglected by their parents, schools, communities, and government – to the degree that many never have the opportunity for a productive and healthy future. These youth have been abandoned. Guidance and support are critical. Therefore, NRF funding priority is given to programs that encourage the development of citizenship and social skills, stem anti-social behavior, and emphasize proactive community lifestyles and values.
The Foundation supports aggressive campaigns to increase the fitness level of all Americans. The NRF considers this particularly important in view of the ever escalating cost of health care in the United States. Priority is given to cooperative, coordinated efforts among local, state, and national agencies that address the reduction of health care costs through prevention. Recreation and park organizations are encouraged to develop responses to the societal problem of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is well documented that recreation participation results in healthier living, which helps alleviate the cost of health care.