Grand Teton National Park. (Photo: rmarmion/Depositphotos)
Since its founding in 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) has strived to protect the natural world and provide a world-class experience for its visitors. Now, thanks to a generous donation, it can continue those missions. The National Park Foundation announced that it has received the largest donation in its history: a $100 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc.
“For more than 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between parks’ needs and available funds,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, the fundraising arm of the NPS created by Congress in the 1960s. “This grant will allow us to intensify our efforts to ensure our national parks are there for everyone, including for generations to come.”
The money is intended to meet the needs of the more than 400 national parks that make up the NPS – from sprawling famous sites like Yellowstone National Park in Montana and Yosemite National Park in California to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Birmingham, Alabama.
“Our founders were inspired by the beauty and wonder of the natural world and supported research and educational programs about archaeology and our nation’s cultural history,” said N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, which was founded by members of the family behind the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. “So we are pleased to advance their interests through this gift.”
Funding will be directed towards four key areas: creating opportunities for young people to inspire the next generation of park managers; ensuring the health and longevity of fragile ecosystems and species such as trout; leveraging new technologies to make parks more accessible and exciting; and providing a more comprehensive historical narrative that includes underrepresented groups.
“The impact of this donation will be felt in our parks and surrounding communities for generations to come,” added NPS Director Chuck Sams. “This is a truly visionary investment and an example of how the power of philanthropy can amplify this important work that we all believe in so much.”
The National Park Foundation announced that it has received the largest grant in its history: a $100 million donation from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Yosemite National Park. (Photo: bryndin/Depositphotos)
“This grant will enable us to intensify our efforts to ensure our national parks continue to serve everyone for generations to come,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation.
Yosemite National Park. (Photo: lunamarina/Depositphotos)
The money will be used to meet the needs of the more than 400 national parks that belong to the National Park Service.
Acadia National Park. (Photo: f11photo/Depositphotos)
The funds will be directed towards key areas such as creating opportunities for youth and protecting fragile ecosystems.
Rocky Mountain National Park. (Photo: rondakimbrow/Depositphotos)
National Park Service: website
h/t: (AP)
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