PURPOSE THAT’S BORN FROM A PARTNERSHIP

Grateful Bench is a public-private partnership funded by the Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation to support the efforts of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) in order to enhance the visitor experience, and increase park usage and visits by installing benches along Los Angeles area mountain and river trails. Community Partners, a 501c3 public charity, is the fiscal intermediary for this initiative.

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

Established in 1985, MRCA is a local government public agency exercising joint powers of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District under Section 6500 et seq. of the Government Code. MRCA is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, watershed lands, trails, and wildlife habitat. MRCA manages and provides ranger services for almost 80,000 acres of public lands and parks that it owns, and that are owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy or other agencies. MRCA works in cooperation with the Conservancy and other local partners to acquire parkland, participate in vital planning processes, complete major park improvement projects, and provide education and interpretation programs for the public.

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Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation

Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Los Angeles. The foundation partners with nonprofit organizations working within its key focus areas: education, environment, health, child & family wellbeing, Jewish life, and the arts. The foundation invests in projects that enrich the community, not just for the present, but for generations to come.

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Grateful Bench Advisory Board

Besides the natural wonders of the area, Southern California has a vast resource of thought leaders from various industries to provide Grateful Bench with strategic input and support. Each of our members are avid outdoor enthusiasts who are just as comfortable on a mountain bike, or hiking trail as they are around a boardroom conference table.