Research Project: Sustain and Support: A Partnership Between the Friends of the National Arboretum and the U.S. National Arboretum

Location: Public Horticulture and Engagement Unit

Project Number: 8020-21000-159-003-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 1, 2026
End Date: Jun 30, 2031

Objective:
The United States National Arboretum (Arboretum), and the Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) desire to enter into an agreement as of July 1, 2026 to replace the prior agreement between the parties. Whereas FONA is the sole private non-profit support group and collaborator of the Arboretum and the Arboretum is a research location and public garden within ARS, the purpose of this agreement is to support the long-term sustainability of the Arboretum in carrying out its mission of research, education, and stewardship of public gardens. This agreement implements the goals of the Arboretum to: achieve operational and financial sustainability by expanding the base and stability of support for its activities through a new business model that balances appropriated, contributed, and concession income funds; and expand and streamline agreements with FONA for financial support, joint planning, and operations of some Arboretum functions, including visitor services, volunteer and intern management, educational events, tours, and amenities. It also allows FONA to manage corporate and other events, and related revenue-generating activities at the Arboretum for the purpose of generating a reliable additional source of revenue to support programs. The purpose of this agreement is to articulate the nature of the relationship between FONA and the Arboretum, to set forth in general terms the basis under which FONA will support ARS in implementing Arboretum priorities, and to address other existing or future matters, contracts, and collaborations between the parties. This agreement supersedes any prior agreement between FONA and ARS.

Approach:
The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has statutory authority to maintain the Arboretum pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 191. That authority has been delegated to the Administrator of ARS. 7 C.F.R. §§ 2.21(a)(1)(cxiv) and 2.65(a)(51). FONA is a nonprofit corporation incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia on March 10, 1982, and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from federal income tax as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The purpose of FONA is to assist and provide support for the mission of the USNA. The USNA creates opportunities for discovery through the establishment of an engaging, authentic learning environment—in person and remotely for staff, visitors, students, and others. The USNA has four key goals: • Ensure the national relevance of the USNA to ARS and the USDA, other scientific institutions, stakeholders, and the public; • Increase public stakeholder awareness of and engagement with the USNA (and therefore ARS/USDA) and its programs; • Enhance the visitor experience of the USNA; and • Ensure the long-term sustainability of the USNA. The long-term sustainability of the USNA is dependent upon implementing a new business model that balances appropriated, contributed, and concession income in a sustainable manner. This is particularly important to provide the visitor experience (i.e. services and setting) and educational programming expected of USDA’s only public garden. The USNA seeks to achieve sustainability by expanding the base and stability of its support. This agreement will ensure and enhance support for the USNA's mission by allowing FONA to serve as the sole private, non-profit support group for the USNA and represent the USNA's extended stakeholder community. FONA has substantial experience in raising funds. The FONA board and staff actively coordinate their work to support the USNA’s goals and enhance the ability of the USNA to provide a meaningful visitor experience. This agreement signifies the continued commitment of FONA to support the USNA by expanding the base of support for USNA activities. The following authorities are relevant to this agreement: 20 U.S.C. § 195 authorizes the Secretary to solicit and accept gifts made for the benefit of the USNA. 20 U.S.C. § 196 authorizes the Secretary to (1) negotiate agreements granting concessions at the USNA to nonprofit scientific or educational organizations and (2) accept voluntary services from such organizations and from individuals. 7 U.S.C. § 3318(b) authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements serving a mutual interest of the parties in research, extension, and teaching activities. 40 U.S.C. §1314 authorizes executive agencies to grant easements over public property, including an interest in real property, with or without monetary or other consideration. Section 749 of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001, Pub. L. No. 106-397 created an exception for FONA to be the prohibited source rule for so long as FONA maintained itself as a tax exempt organization.