Mission
Our mission is the driving force behind everything we do. It reflects our commitment to enriching the lives of everyone in Encinitas by supporting and celebrating our city’s vibrant arts, beautiful parks, and essential recreational spaces.
Our Mission Statement
“To champion and fundraise for City of Encinitas arts, parks, and recreation initiatives in order to enrich the lives of our residents and contribute to a thriving community.”
Mission
Our Commitment to Community
This mission is only possible through the collective effort of our community. We invite you to join us in bringing this vision for Encinitas to life:
- See Our Impact: Explore our funded projects and success stories.
- Get Involved: Volunteer your time and expertise.
- Support Our Work: Make a donation today.
Photo Courtesy of The Cali Life.
History
Our 27-Year Legacy of Impact
Since 1998, our organization has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Encinitas. We began as Patrons of Encinitas Parks (PEP), focused exclusively on our city’s green spaces, and have since evolved to champion a broader mission.
Proven Achievements
Our history is defined by visible, tangible projects that directly benefit the community. PEP, now The Encinitas Project, was instrumental in securing and funding key park assets, including:
- Foundation for Future Parks: In the beginning, our group was formed to champion the development of Mildred McPherson Park. We were also strong advocates for the City’s purchase of the Hall Property, which later became the beloved Encinitas Community Park.
- Essential Facilities: We provided integral funding for a modular dance floor at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center.
- Park Enhancements: Our support led to the installation of shade structures at Oakcrest Park, a new water fountain and refilling station at Moonlight Beach, and the provision of lawn games for the Parks & Recreation Commission Pop-Up Park events.
The Next Chapter: Expanding Our Scope
In 2024, we officially rebranded as The Encinitas Project to reflect an expanded scope of support. We now champion the entire City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts (PRCA) Department…bolstering not only city parks, but also city arts, recreation services and programs across the entire PRCA department.
Every project highlighted here was made possible by the generosity of our donors. We are proud of this legacy and are ready to partner with you to achieve even greater successes for the entire PRCA Department.
Board of Directors
Local Leaders, Lasting Impact
A long-time Cardiff resident and veteran, Ross owned and operated an Encinitas business for 23 years prior to his retirement. He has demonstrated extensive civic leadership, serving as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Encinitas Parks & Recreation Commission and contributing to the Nature Collective JEDI Committee and the Cardiff Town Council. Ross is motivated to translate the deeply-felt Encinitas pride of our residents and the collective strength of local businesses and nonprofits into enthusiastic support for the City’s arts, parks, and recreation initiatives & enhancements.
Encinitas native Farhad is a community advocate and active member of local school organizations. Four decades of enjoying Encinitas parks and recreational programs inspired him to join The Encinitas Project board to secure further funding and increase community awareness of the valuable resources PRCA offers.
An East Encinitas resident, Kristine loves the outdoors, being active, helping people, and supporting a thriving community. Most recently, she has focused her efforts on bike+walk encouragement and education, fall prevention, and being a good environmental steward. Through her involvement with The Encinitas Project, Kristine champions efforts to raise funds for arts, parks, and recreation enhancements here in her beloved Encinitas.
A Leucadian for over 25 years, Amy’s extensive civic service includes serving on both the Encinitas Environmental and Planning Commissions. She was involved in bringing Cyclovia to Encinitas and developing the City’s Climate Action Plan. Committed to local education, she has held multiple leadership roles: PTA President at both the Districts and Council levels, the District Citizen Bond Oversight Committees, Special Ed Taskforce, Social/Emotional Wellness Taskforce, and the Executive Board of NCCSE, our state’s consortium for Special Education. Amy serves on The Encinitas Project Board to provide a strong, experienced voice for youth and families.
Current board member photos generously donated by The Cali Life in Cardiff.
Honorary Board Members
Brad’s vision and effort were foundational to the successful reinvention of The Encinitas Project. While serving as an Encinitas Parks and Recreation Commissioner, he played a vital role on the commission’s Patrons of Encinitas Parks (PEP) ad hoc committee and, critically, served as the sole active PEP Board Member after taking over from Sandy Shapiro. Recognizing the critical need to preserve the nonprofit, Brad spearheaded the effort to update all necessary government filings, preventing the organization from going defunct.
Working alongside Commissioner Ross Ridder, he built a new board, adopted a broader mission, and successfully rebranded the organization to The Encinitas Project, plus successfully obtained a grant that funded the Moonlight Beach water fountain.
Brad's extensive civic service also included being a Board Member and CFO of the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, serving as President of the Leucadia 101 Main Street Association, and serving on the Board of the Leucadia Arts and Cultural Foundation.
The Encinitas Project's success is directly built upon Brad’s indispensable commitment and leadership. We are grateful for Brad's substantial contributions to our nonprofit and the entire Encinitas community.
Sandy Shapiro is recognized for his decades of service to the City of Encinitas and his instrumental role in reviving and leading Patrons of Encinitas Parks (now known as The Encinitas Project). Sandy moved to Encinitas from Boston in 1999 after retiring as an Industrial Consultant.
Sandy was a longtime Encinitas Parks & Recreation Commissioner for multiple terms, serving as the Commission's Chair for two years. His final year on the Commission was 2015.
He was personally recruited by the then Encinitas Parks and Recreation Director to resuscitate the inactive nonprofit. Serving on the board for about five years, Sandy became the primary fundraiser for PEP, working the PEP booth at Moonlight Beach and reaching out to the community. His successful efforts secured funding for key City amenities, including the bocce ball shade structures at Oakcrest Park and a dance floor at the Encinitas Community & Senior Center. He also ensured the nonprofit operated as a formal fundraising partner creating a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the City.
A dedicated community builder, Sandy is also one of the founders of the Encinitas Community Garden, is a San Diego County Master Gardener, and volunteers at the San Diego Botanical Gardens and the Ecke Family YMCA. He handed the PEP board over to Brad Hanson in 2022.
Board of Directors
Join Our Cause
As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on dedicated community members like you to execute our mission and enhance our city’s arts, parks, and recreation.
If you share our dedication to Encinitas, we invite you to take the next step and join our efforts today!
Learn More & Volunteer Today
Financial Transparency
Financial Transparency & Nonprofit Accountability
The Encinitas Project is committed to complete financial transparency, ensuring that our supporters and the community we serve know exactly how their contributions are utilized.
Our Operational Philosophy: Fiscally Responsible and Local
The Encinitas Project is committed to ensuring that nearly every dollar we raise directly benefits City Arts, Parks & Recreation. Our operational decisions are guided by two core principles:
Prudent Stewardship
We are meticulous and judicious with our expenses and consistently seek the most cost-effective solutions for our operations. Because we are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, we have eliminated the largest single administrative cost faced by most nonprofits. Our low overhead means your donation is maximized for community impact, not administrative fees.
Our “Encinitas First Philosophy”
When we do incur necessary expenses—whether for printing, supplies, or event services—we follow our “Encinitas First Philosophy”. This means we actively prioritize working with and supporting local Encinitas businesses and vendors. We believe in strengthening the local economy while simultaneously funding projects that benefit it.
Our Commitment
Our fundraising is intended to supplement, not replace, traditional sources or levels of city funding for the Encinitas Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts (PRCA) Department and to support our programs, advocacy, and minimal operating costs.
Financial Transparency
Accountability and Legal Status
The Encinitas Project is registered with the state and federal governments as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization in good standing.
Please find our charity registration information below:
Federal Tax ID (EIN): 33-0333801
State of CA Corporation: 1628654
California Charity Registration: CT-075317
Encinitas Business Registration: B021970-01-2025
Every action we take is guided by our commitment to Encinitas. We thank you for trusting us to be responsible stewards of your contributions, allowing us to continue funding vital Encinitas projects.
If you have any further questions regarding our finances or operations, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.