National Park Foundation

National Park Foundation. Chartered by the United States Congress on December 18, 1967, it is the official charitable partner of the National Park Service. The organization's creation was inspired by a 1966 report from the Bureau of the Budget and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Its primary role is to raise private funds, forge strategic partnerships, and manage philanthropic investments to preserve and enhance America's national parks for present and future generations.

History

The establishment of this organization was a direct response to recommendations in the 1966 report "Parks for America," which highlighted the need for a private entity to support the growing National Park System. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the enabling legislation, modeled after the successful Smithsonian Institution's fundraising arm. Early initiatives focused on bolstering the mission of the National Park Service under directors like George B. Hartzog Jr.. Throughout the late 20th century, its work expanded in tandem with major park additions, such as the Great Basin National Park and the National Park of American Samoa. The turn of the century saw it launch significant campaigns, including the "Save America's Treasures" program and centennial celebrations for the National Park Service in 2016.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to protect and enhance the integrity of the National Park System through philanthropy and public engagement. Key programs include "ParkVentures," which aims to connect new audiences with places like Yellowstone National Park and Everglades National Park. The "Women in Parks" initiative highlights stories from sites such as the Women's Rights National Historical Park. Its "Open OutDoors for Kids" program provides educational grants for students to experience parks, including Yosemite National Park and the National Mall. The foundation also administers critical conservation grants for projects at Acadia National Park and Joshua Tree National Park, while managing major fundraising campaigns like the "Find Your Park / Encuentra Tu Parque" movement.

Funding and partnerships

Financial support comes from a diverse mix of individual donors, corporate partnerships, and major philanthropic foundations. Notable corporate partners have included American Express, The North Face, and L.L.Bean. Collaborations with organizations like the National Geographic Society and the Ford Foundation have funded specific initiatives. A significant portion of funding is directed through endowed funds, such as the Mosaic in Motion program. The organization also manages the "Parknerships" program, fostering local collaborations with groups like the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the Yellowstone Park Foundation. Federal appropriations, often matched by private dollars, support specific projects authorized by United States Congress.

Impact and recognition

Its work has facilitated the protection of over one million acres of park land, including additions to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Educational programs have reached millions of students, with particular focus on Title I schools. The foundation's role in the "Centennial Challenge" helped fund over 200 projects across the system, from restoring trails in Zion National Park to preserving artifacts at Independence National Historical Park. It has received awards for its philanthropic efficiency from entities like the Charity Navigator. The "Find Your Park" campaign, launched with the National Park Service and American Express, was recognized with a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America.

Governance and leadership

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of private citizens appointed by the United States Secretary of the Interior and confirmed by the United States Senate. The board has included notable figures such as former Director of the National Park Service Jonathan B. Jarvis and philanthropist Landon Hilliard. Day-to-day operations are led by a President and CEO, a position held by Will Shafroth since 2015. The board chair is Rob Wallace, a former Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. Advisory councils, including the National Park Service Advisory Board, provide additional guidance on policy and programmatic priorities related to conservation and historic preservation across the park system.

Category:National Park Service Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Charitable organizations established in 1967