In 2019, the city approved the Community Engagement Coordinator position to coordinate volunteers, advertising, donations, and sponsorships.  This role has enabled the city to better partner with potential donors, sponsors, and volunteers, resulting in an increase in community involvement in parks and recreation activities and a decrease in department expenses.

In May of 2021, the city council accepted 5 business donations/sponsorships. Since May, 3 more businesses have generously donated a $1,000 or more to enhance parks and recreation programs, events, and services.

The Donations from the Heart Program was established in 2009 to offer families an opportunity to donate a bench or a tree to the city in honor of a loved one. The City accepts a financial donation to place a bench or a tree with a memorial plaque on City property to honor their loved one. The Donations from the Heart Program received one donation in 2021 for 2 memorial benches and some trees to honor Gabby Horner.

The City of Shakopee appreciates these generous donations which benefit the community at large and enhance Shakopee’s parks & recreation programs, events, spaces and services.

The City's donation/sponsorship policy requires a 2/3 vote to accept cash donations over $,1000 and donations of real property.

Donations enhance the quality of Shakopee's parks & recreation programs, events, spaces, and services while often reducing the cost of delivering those programs, events, spaces, and services.