The Northfield Pickleball Association is starting a fundraising campaign to pay for the extra amenities at the Riverside courts that the $40,000 budgeted by the city doesn’t cover. Here are the answers to some questions you might have including how you can donate to the cause.
Why Fundraise?
First, the NPA Board would like to balance its budget and plan financially for next year. Second, the money the city has budgeted for Riverside improvements will not cover all of the amenities the board would like to see at the courts. We believe that the city's $40,000 will pay for fencing, windscreens and a paved seating area. We estimate that the cost all of the amenities the board envisions will be about $56,000. We would like to use the city’s $40,000 to purchase what we can and fundraise for the rest.
Here’s our prioritized list of items not covered by the city’s $40,000:
Balance Budget - first 2 years $1,000
Paddle Holder - $500
Benches - $2,000
Bulletin Board - $500
Shade Structure - $13,000
Total $17,000
How Will We Spend Your Money?
The association’s first year expenses have been paid out of board member’s pockets (expenses include: website fees, printing fees, applying for state incorporation and federal 501(c)(3) status, social gatherings and round robin events). We would like to get them paid back and find the funds for the second year’s operating expenses. We would like to add a new paddle holder, additional benches, and a bulletin board at the Riverside courts. Lastly, a shade structure to be placed in the paved seating area would be ideal for those hot summer afternoons when people are waiting to play.
What’s the Plan?
The items on the list have been approximated and prioritized by the NPA Board. Our plan is to work our way down the list and spend money as it becomes available. For example, the first $1000 raised will be used to balance our 2025 budget and cover our anticipated expenses in 2026. The next $500 raised will purchase a paddle holder. The next $2000 raised will purchase benches and so on until we run out of money.
What do you mean, “You Get What You Pay For”?
So, what we ultimately purchase depends upon how much you are all willing to contribute. In this instance, the phrase “you get what you pay for” has a slightly different meaning than usual, but is no less true. If each of our members gave $95, we could purchase everything on the list. If everyone donates just $23, we could pay for the first four items. Donations in any amount are much appreciated!
How Do I Donate?
Checks should be written to the Northfield Pickleball Association and donations can be sent to:
Bill Seeberg
401 Ivanhoe Ave.
Northfield, MN 55057
Are Contributions Tax Deductible?
Contribution are tax deductible and the NPA will automatically supply those donating $250 or more with a receipt for their tax records. Anyone contributing less than $250 can receive a receipt upon request.