The Young Professionals for Olmsted Parks program is for individuals who are passionate for their historic parks, nonprofit management, fundraising, networking and making a difference in their community!
I particularly enjoyed the Career Development Panel event and the Nonprofit Work in Buffalo Panel discussion. The conversations and connections I made at YPOP events led to my recruitment and acceptance of a new position as Operations and Development Manager at GObike Buffalo, where I get to do work that I am excited and passionate about. I highly recommend this program to any young professional who is interested in networking and becoming more involved with the organizations that make WNY a great place to live and work!
Teddy Lauzau, Operations and Development Manager, GObike | YPOP Class of 2023
From learning about your public parks to networking, there’s a lot to offer in the YPOP program!
Program Goals
- To raise awareness for the mission, vision and daily work of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
- To inspire the next generation of community members and leaders to value and appreciate public parks and green spaces
- To encourage the next generation of community members and leaders to engage in and support Buffalo’s nonprofit sector
Expectations of being a YPOP participant
- Attend YPOP events
- Be willing to learn, network, have fun!
- Actively participate and engage with your fellow YPOP participants
- Be willing to have cultural humility and support the Conservancy’s commitment to inclusion
Download YPOP flyer here - JPEG
Download YPOP flyer here - PDF
Are you looking to network and learn more about nonprofit work?
Program Specifications
- Program duration: February 2025 – October 2025
- Suggested age range: 25 – 40
- $300 program fee: To help cover the cost of the program, we encourage participants to request your employer to cover the fee. As a form of appreciation, BOPC will thank your company on social media and on the YPOP website
- Accommodations can be made upon request to ensure accessibility (e.g. interpretation, translation, mobility assistance)
- Maximum of 30 participants: To ensure the best possible experience for every participant, there will be a maximum of 30 participants for the Class of 2025
Five Scholarship Opportunities Available!
- For any individual who identifies as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color (BIPOC) -and-
- Works at a nonprofit with a budget under $1M -or- is an employee or owner of a small business
- Please complete the Application or email ypop@bfloparks.org if you are interested in this opportunity
Application Timeline
- Applications are due by January 24, 2025
- After the application period, BOPC will reach out to applicants for a Zoom interview in the last week of January 2025
Program Schedule
^ indicates mandatory event
| Date & Time | Event Overview & Location |
| Tuesday, Feb 11, 5:30-7pm | ^Kickoff Party & Olmsted 101 featuring Tori or Catie @ BOPC Parkside Lodge |
| Friday, Mar 7, 8-9am | Coffee & Tour of the MLK Greenhouse |
| Every Monday from Mar 10 through Apr, 8-9am | YPOP Volunteer Opportunity | MLK Jr. Park Greenhouse (Sign up required ahead of time) |
| Tuesday, Mar 18, 5:30-7pm | ^Pens and Pints @ Buffalo Maritime Center | Help make our Spring Appeal a success! |
| Thursday, Apr 3, 5:30-7pm | ^Olmsted 201 with Lauren Becker @ Roswell Park Community Outreach and Engagement Center |
| Tuesday, May 20, 6-8pm | ^Career Panel |
| Jun 2025 | Nonprofit Takeover Month |
| Jun 2025 -Date TBD | Cocktails for a Cause Happy Hour Fundraiser -TBD |
| Thursday, Jul 10, 6-8pm | ^Nonprofit Panel @ Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle, Inc. |
| Wednesday, Jul 16, varied times | YPOP Volunteer Opportunity | Promenade in the Park and BPO Concert @ Front Park (Rain date: Jul 17) |
| Saturday, Aug 2, 10-1pm | Full System Bus Tour with Forest Lawn Cemetery Trolley |
| Aug 2025 | Cultural Nonprofit Takeover Month |
| Tuesday, Aug 26, 6-7pm | Walks and Talks with Margaret Lapp at the South Park Arboretum |
| Friday, Sep 12, 10-4pm (Time TBD) | YPOP Volunteer Opportunity | Olmsted Open Golf Tournament @ Delaware Park (Rain Date: Sep 19) |
| Thursday, Sep 25, 5-7pm | ^Meet & Greet with BOPC Board + Wine and Sign for our Annual Appeal | Venue TBD |
| Friday, Oct 3, 6-9pm | YPOP Meat Raffle | Venue TBD |
| Thursday, Oct 23, 6-8pm | YPOP Graduation | Venue TBD |
All dates and times are subject to changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will the class size be?
We will be accepting 25-30 participants for the Class of 2025.
Do I need any prior experience from other professional development programs to be accepted in YPOP?
No! We encourage all to apply who are passionate about their historic parks, nonprofit management, fundraising, networking and making a difference in their community.
What does the program fee cover?
The $300 program fee will only be due once accepted into the program. There is no fee to apply for the program. The program entry fee helps cover costs to run the nine (9) month YPOP program such as; venue costs, food and beverage, volunteer event supplies, guest speakers and more!
Can my company/organization cover the program fee?
Yes! Your current company/organization can cover your program fee. To acknowledge their commitment to you and our parks, they will be listed on the website and mentioned on social media. Reach out to ypop@bfloparks.org to request for an Ask Letter to present to your employer!
With regards to the Fundraising component, will we be given any tools to help us reach our goal?
Of course! We won’t leave you hanging, we promise. As part of the YPOP program, there will workshops to provide you with opportunities to learn about Fundraising in the nonprofit world, Board Participation, Conservancy staff, etc.
When will YPOP events occur? (morning, day time, evening)
YPOP events will occur either in the early part of the morning, at lunch hour or after work hours (after 5pm). All events are subject to change and will move to a virtual format, if needed.
What happens if I miss a mandatory event?
We completely understand that life happens and everyone is busy, so you will be allowed to miss one mandatory event. You will be given the complete schedule of events during the interview process in November/December. We hope that all YPOP participants will be dedicated throughout the entire program.
Will I be able to stay involved with the Conservancy post-program?
Yes! We will discuss opportunities for you to stay involved — whether that’s joining a committee, volunteering in the parks, volunteering during a fundraising event or joining the YPOP Alumni Group.
