Community engagement is key to our ability to protect and preserve our park today and tomorrow. This means that we must work hard to promote our conservation values among visitors and locals. We do this through a variety of programs and events throughout the year. Each of our programs and events offers your business the opportunity to get involved as an official partner/sponsor. Together, we plan our outreach with the community to get your brand the most traction for its involvement - and to showcase your philanthropic commitment. Here are some of the opportunities for your business to partner with the Friends:
Be A Sponsor
The Beach-to-Beach Power Swim (May), Paddle the Park (November), Ocean Week (October 14-19), Adopt A Beach program, Earth Day (April) and the Folklife Festival (February) are all great sponsor opportunities that gain your business positive brand recognition on St. John. Each sponsorship opportunity has a unique target audience, season and series of promotional/media benefits.
Partnet for a Profject
The Friends has a suite of projects and programs that it manages on an annual basis at the request of the park. These programs help ensure our that park offers rich interpretative programs, and that our historic sites, trails and beaches are safe and accessible. Visit "Our Work" to see our current programs. Due to the hurricanes of September 2017 we are conducting restoration projects, some of which need the help of our business community to complete.
Become an Affinity Partner
Our Affinity Partners are our business partners on-the-ground. These businesses offer discounts to Friends members, donate a percentage of their sales to the Friends, and/or have other fundraising strategies built into their business model so that they know they are giving back to the park that gives so much!
Join Villas for the Park
Once a year (November-December) the Friends hosts an online auction full of weekly accommodations donated by villa/hotel/b&b owners. This event raises the profile of the accommodations available on St. John - and shows the world that we are united in our shared commitment to protect and preserve Virgin Islands National Park. Advertised to our 3,000+ member network, the auction offers great publicity! Click to see the 2019 Villas for the Park event.
Without the generous support of our partners
Both in the community and beyond we would not be able to do the important work that keeps our Virgin Islands National Park thriving for visitors and residents alike.
Please contact Tonia Lovejoy, our Development Director at tlovejoy@friendsvinp.org or (340) 779-4940 to get involved.