For the 14^th consecutive year, Friends of Saguaro National Park has been awarded with the prestigious “Top-Rated” Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. Fewer than 1% of nonprofits nationwide are able to achieve the “Top-Rated” distinction. The Top-Rated Nonprofit award for 2023 was based on the large number of positive stakeholders reviews that Friends of Saguaro received. The reviews were written by volunteers, donors, park staff and the public.

“Friends of Saguaro National Park is a great example of a nonprofit making a significant difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits. “This award is well-deserved recognition; not only for their work, but also for the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews provided by people who have direct experience working with Friends of Saguaro.”

“We appreciate the extraordinary support from our donors and stakeholders,” said Fred Stula, Friends of Saguaro National Park Executive Director. “It’s only through their steadfast commitment that we are able to pursue our work in support of Saguaro National Park.”

GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences with more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the charities. A nonprofit’s placement on the Top-Rated list gives first-time donors, volunteers, foundations, and corporations more confidence in the credibility of the organization. The stakeholder reviews describe specific, on-the-ground results achieved by the by nonprofit within the community.

Excerpts from Friends Reviews:

"Wow! What an amazing organization for the park and Tucson community. I was very impressed with the young professionals in both resource management and environmental education. These interns were so passionate about their stories and creating change in the environmental science community. I got the opportunity to work alongside them during citizen science projects that showcased their excellent leadership and passion, and it opened my eyes to the opportunities that Friends of Saguaro provide for these amazing interns. It also impressed me how many employees of Saguaro National Park came up through the Next Generation Ranger program. I hope more national parks establish organizations like this one in the future!"

"I have been involved with Friends of Saguaro National Park for around a year now, and I am impressed by how hard they work to ensure that there is equitable and meaningful access for all to Saguaro National Park. Part of this is done by leading the Next Generation Ranger Corps, which provides paid positions in the National Park for local young professionals from diverse backgrounds. Friends also strongly supports the environmental education program at the park, which reaches many local kids each year to bring them to an amazing outdoor space."

"As a long-time park visitor and volunteer, I have seen first-hand the amazing support provided by the FOSNP. The FOSNP helps support a wide variety of programs and projects around the park that benefit Visitors, Park operations, scientific research, and much more. In addition, the Next Gen Ranger Program is an amazing opportunity that helps younger generations become future stewards of our parks. This year I am deeply honored to have been asked to join the Board of Directors of this incredible organization."

"I love that FOSNP uses its voice and accountability structure to support the Park! They help fund important projects for maintenance, mules, hiking clubs, and even the nationally recognized Next Gen Ranger Program. As a Board Member, I'm proud to contribute to Friends!"

"Friends of Saguaro National Park is an impactful, mission-driven organization that I am proud to support. They are committed to transparency, accountability and being trustworthy stewards of your gifts. Saguaro National Park would not be the place we know and love today without the work of this amazing organization."

"Serving as a board member has enabled me to see how FOSNP interacts directly with staff from Saguaro National Park, our Tucson community, and sister organizations with respect and sensitivity to their needs and desires. FOSNP has consistently kept its costs well under control while focusing on supporting the mission of SNP. Also, over time, our Friends group has developed innovative solutions to help bring diversity into the park service as well as in its community of supporters."

"This organization is fantastic. They are such great supporters of protection wild spaces and conserving our natural world."

"Friends of Saguaro National Park (FOSNP) is a nonproft that delivers significant, tangible benefits to Saguaro National Park (SAGU) everyday! .... From personnel support to program support, to directly protecting and managing natural and cultural resources, FOSNP is the principal friends/support group for SAGU. I have served on the Board of Directors of FOSNP for over 6 years, and it's been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience!"

"Over the last two years, despite the problems caused by the pandemic, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Inc. has continued to increase support for Park projects. Success of this nonprofit is due, in part, to the efficient structure of the organization, excellent leadership, dedication and efforts of Board Members, and finally (and perhaps most importantly) to how much the Park is loved within the Tucson community."

"Having a National Park surround our city to the east & west is a unique value proposition for Tucson. While the park attracts visitors from all over the world, it's greatest use comes from residents of the region and supporting this "asset" she be top of mind for all Southern Arizonans! The work being done by Friends of Saguaro supports so many aspects of the park, from trail maintenance, enhancements to the visitors centers, job creation through the Next Gen Ranger program, scientific research, youth & community engagement, education and environmental stewardship. If you've ever spent a day of afternoon walking trails in the park and wondered "how can I help preserve this treasure", Friends of Saguaro is the answer!"