Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

What Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes does

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 38-3178841) founded in 1992 and headquartered in Empire, Michigan, serving as the official nonprofit partner of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore under the National Park Service. Its core function is to mobilize private philanthropy, volunteer capacity, and supplemental programming to backstop a federally managed park that draws roughly 1.7 million visitors annually. The organization operates a portfolio of stewardship programs (Adopt-a-Beach, Adopt-a-Highway, Adopt-a-River, Adopt-a-Trail), accessibility services (Track Chair Program and the 2025-launched Wheelchair Bike Program supported by solar-powered charging stations), visitor safety (Preventive Search and Rescue with 32,000+ visitor contacts), wildlife protection (Piping Plover monitoring), and education (5,500 students annually, Anishinaabe Lifeways cultural hikes, Star Parties, snowshoe outings, planetarium sessions).

The organization runs on a lean operational footprint of 5 employees supplemented by over 400 active volunteers contributing roughly 13,000 hours per year. Revenue is sourced from individual and corporate donations, foundation and government grants (notably a $100,000 National Park Foundation capacity-building grant in November 2025 and a $2,000 Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation DEI grant in 2026), and program-derived contributions such as Yoga on the Beach donation-based classes ($10-$25 suggested). In 2025, the organization disbursed $262,580 in direct support of park priority projects. Distribution of services occurs entirely on-site within the National Lakeshore and surrounding Michigan communities through direct park programming and a network of partnerships with the National Park Foundation, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Grand Traverse Astronomical Society, Glen Lake Fire Department, TART Trails, and local outfitters (Crystal River Outfitters, Riverside Canoe).

Name

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Legal name

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Website

https://friendsofsleepingbear.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving as the official partner of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, delivering accessibility, safety, stewardship, and education programs funded by donations and grants to park visitors, volunteers, and regional students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Park Conservation and Stewardship Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

National/State Park Campgrounds & Public Campgrounds (THAMAJAI)

Keywords

• Park stewardship programs
• Volunteer conservation services
• Accessibility mobility programs
• Nonprofit park partnership
• Environmental education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Empire, Michigan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: Individual and corporate donations from supporters who value the park's preservation and visitor experience enhancement.
2. Government and Foundation Grants: Grants from National Park Foundation ($100,000 in 2025) and Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation ($2,000 DEI Grant in 2026) for specific programs.
3. Yoga on the Beach Program Donations: Donation-based yoga classes facilitated by Amy Hubbell of Yoga on the Beach, with suggested donation of $10-$25 per class benefiting both the instructor and Friends.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the official nonprofit partner of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It funds, staffs, and runs a portfolio of volunteer-driven stewardship, accessibility, safety, and educational programs — including Adopt-a-Beach/Highway/River/Trail cleanups, the Bear Tracks Accessibility Program (track chairs and wheelchair bikes), Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR), Dark Sky preservation, and cultural/nature education — supported by individual donations, business supporters, and grants from foundations such as the National Park Foundation and Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.

Product overview

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the official park partner of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Rather than a unified product platform, the organization offers a portfolio of interconnected stewardship, accessibility, safety, and educational programs that work together to protect park resources and enhance visitor experiences. Core programs include the Bear Tracks Accessibility Program (Track Chairs and Wheelchair Bikes), Adopt-a-Beach/Highway/River/Trail stewardship initiatives, Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) safety services, Dark Sky preservation efforts, and cultural/nature educational programming including Anishinaabe Lifeways and Star Parties. Funding from donors supports park ranger training, emergency equipment (AEDs), trail maintenance, wildlife protection, and educational outreach connecting thousands of students to the park annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Track Chair Program Wheelchair-accessible track chairs that allow visitors with mobility challenges to traverse sandy terrain at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including the Dune Climb and Bayview Trail. Now supported by solar-powered charging stations.
• Wheelchair Bike Program Wheelchair-accessible bikes introduced in 2025 that enable visitors with mobility challenges to bike along park trails.
• Adopt-a-Beach Program Volunteer program in which groups and individuals adopt beaches to conduct regular cleanups and monitoring to protect water quality and beach habitats.
• Adopt-a-Highway Program Volunteer cleanup program along scenic roads connecting the park and surrounding communities to maintain roadside cleanliness and safety.
• Adopt-a-River Program Waterway cleanup program in which volunteers clean rivers including the Platte River and Crystal River, often using kayaks to access river areas.
• Adopt-a-Trail Program Volunteer program in which volunteers help maintain trails, report conditions, and provide visitor information and guidance along park trails.
• Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Volunteer safety program where trained volunteers are stationed at popular park locations (Dune Climb, Overlook #9) to provide guidance, water, first aid, and prevent emergencies before they occur, reducing 911 calls.
• Dark Sky Certification Program Program working to protect natural darkness and reduce light pollution in the park, offering educational programs during International Dark Sky Week and beyond.
• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Ambassadors Volunteer ambassador program along the 22-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail providing visitor information and promoting trail etiquette.
• Yoga on the Beach Weekly donation-based beach yoga classes held at Glen Haven during summer months, facilitated by Yoga on the Beach, with proceeds benefiting the park.
• Snowshoe Hikes Winter hiking programs offering snowshoe experiences in the park during the winter season.
• Trail Crew Volunteer crews that assist with trail maintenance, repairs, and improvements throughout the park.
• Anishinaabe Lifeways Programs Guided cultural hikes led by Anishinaabe historians highlighting Odawa and Ojibway history, culture, and traditional relationship with the Great Lakes.
• Star Parties Stargazing events with high-powered telescopes and ranger-led night navigation education, partnered with the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS) at Thorenson Farm and other locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,000 volunteer hours contributed to park maintenance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Alliance for the Great LakescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2024Nominated as Wavemaker Honoree recognizing critical stewardship of the Great Lakes through Adopt-a-Beach and other environmental protection programs.
• Grand Traverse Astronomical Society (GTAS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with GTAS to offer Star Parties at Thorenson Farm and other locations, providing telescopes and expert guidance for dark night sky viewing experiences.
• Glen Lake Fire DepartmentminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEmergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics provide hands-on EMS training for National Park Rangers to maintain their certifications, covering lifesaving skills including CPR, epinephrine administration, and patient transport.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (NPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial nonprofit partner of the National Park Service for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, working to protect resources and heighten visitor experiences. Partnership spans over 30 years.
• TART TrailsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization assumed fiduciary stewardship of Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail maintenance funds from TART Trails, ensuring year-round care and access for all 22 miles of the trail.
• Yoga on the Beach (Amy Hubbell)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness supporter providing donation-based beach yoga classes with proceeds benefiting both the instructor and Friends organization. Classes run weekly during summer seasons.
• Crystal River OutfittersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMeeting location for Adopt-a-River cleanups, providing kayaks and shuttle services for river cleanup volunteers.
• Riverside CanoeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides transportation and kayak rentals for Platte River cleanup events.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Yellowstone Forever: Official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, raising funds for education, conservation, and visitor services. Comparable in scope, stewardship programs, and donor-funded grants to NPS.
• Friends of the Smokies: 501(c)(3) partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, supporting trails, wildlife, education, and volunteer programs via donations and grants. Highly analogous to FOSBD's mission and programs.
• Friends of Acadia: 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of Acadia National Park with a very similar model: stewardship, trail support, accessibility, education, and volunteer-driven programs funded by donations and grants. Most direct structural comparable to FOSBD.
• Glacier National Park Conservancy: Official fundraising and stewardship partner of Glacier National Park, supporting trail crews, education, and wildlife programs. Closely mirrors FOSBD's partner-of-NPS operating model.
• Yosemite Conservancy: Official nonprofit partner of Yosemite National Park, funding restoration, trails, wildlife, and visitor programs through philanthropy and grants. Comparable to FOSBD in role, structure, and dependency on a single national park.
• Indiana Dunes National Park Alliance: Nonprofit partner supporting Indiana Dunes National Park, with a near-identical Midwest lakeshore/dune focus, volunteer stewardship, and educational programming. Among the closest geographic and topical analogs to FOSBD.

Broad incumbents

• National Parks Conservation Association: Independent national advocacy organization focused on protecting and enhancing the National Park System. Broader in scope than FOSBD, with advocacy rather than direct stewardship, but operates in the same NPS ecosystem.
• Appalachian Mountain Club: Established outdoor recreation and conservation nonprofit that maintains trails, runs education programs, and operates backcountry shelters. Comparable to FOSBD's volunteer-driven trail, education, and stewardship portfolio.
• National Park Foundation: Official national nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, awarding capacity-building grants (including the $100K 2025 grant to FOSBD). Operates at the national level across all parks rather than a single park.

Regional players

• Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Regional conservation nonprofit serving the greater Grand Traverse region of Michigan, including land protection, stewardship, and educational programming. Overlaps mission and geography with FOSBD but is a land trust rather than a park partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/friends-of-sleeping-bear-dunes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes