The National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, is poised to receive an unprecedented $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This substantial donation, announced on August 25, 2024, represents the largest single contribution in the foundation's history, aimed at benefiting the United States' national parks.
Established by Congress in the 1960s, the National Park Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the country's national parks for over six decades. The foundation's president and CEO, Will Shafroth, emphasized the transformative nature of this grant, stating that it will address the needs of more than 400 national park sites across the nation.
The National Park Service, founded on August 25, 1916, oversees a vast network of protected areas covering more than 84 million acres. This system includes iconic locations such as Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872 as the world's first national park, and Yosemite National Park. The network also encompasses national memorials, monuments, and historic sites, ranging from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to the remote Buck Island Reef National Monument in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Among the priorities for the grant's utilization are ecological restoration projects. These include efforts to restore coral reefs in Biscayne National Park, Florida, and the rehabilitation of trout species in western national parks. Additionally, the funds will be directed towards creating opportunities for young people to experience these natural treasures firsthand.
The grant is part of the National Park Foundation's broader "Campaign for National Parks," a $1 billion fundraising initiative. N. Clay Robbins, chair and CEO of Lilly Endowment, expressed confidence that this campaign will enhance programming and promote the future vibrancy of the park system.
The National Park Service manages an impressive 423 individual units, including the smallest site, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial at 0.02 acres, and the largest, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, spanning 13.2 million acres. In 2019, these parks collectively welcomed over 327 million visitors, showcasing their significant role in public engagement with nature and history.
The foundation anticipates announcing the first round of grants stemming from this donation later in 2024. This infusion of funds is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the preservation and accessibility of America's natural and cultural heritage sites.
"This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come."
The National Park Service, employing about 20,000 people, maintains over 18,000 miles of trails across its diverse sites. These include natural wonders like Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the U.S., and Denali, North America's highest peak, as well as 23 national scenic and historic trails.
As the National Park Service continues to protect and preserve these invaluable resources, this historic grant promises to play a crucial role in ensuring that America's national parks remain accessible and vibrant for future generations.