Trust for the National Mall

Trust for the National Mall
Name	Trust for the National Mall
Founded	2007
Location	Washington, D.C.
Key people	Catherine Townsend (President)
Focus	Restoration, preservation, and improvement of the National Mall
Website	www.nationalmall.org

Trust for the National Mall. It is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and continuous improvement of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2007, the organization works to address the critical needs of this iconic public space, which hosts millions of visitors annually and serves as the nation’s premier stage for civic expression and commemoration. Through public-private partnerships, it funds major rehabilitation projects, enhances visitor experiences, and ensures the sustainability of the Mall’s landscapes and monuments for future generations.

History and founding

The organization was established in 2007 following a congressional directive and in response to a critical report by the National Parks Conservation Association on the deteriorating conditions across the National Mall. The founding was championed by members of Congress and supported by the U.S. Department of the Interior, recognizing the need for a dedicated private entity to address a massive backlog of deferred maintenance and needed improvements. Its creation mirrored the successful public-private partnership model used for other iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and Yellowstone National Park. The early years focused on building a strategic plan in close collaboration with the National Park Service and engaging initial donors to tackle urgent repairs to the aging infrastructure.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to restore, preserve, and enrich the historical, cultural, and natural elements of the National Mall. Key objectives include funding critical repairs to iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument, revitalizing neglected landscapes such as the Constitution Gardens, and implementing sustainable design solutions. A central goal is to enhance the visitor experience through improved wayfinding, educational resources, and amenities, ensuring the space remains accessible and engaging. The organization also aims to steward the Mall as a living stage for First Amendment activities, presidential inaugurations, and events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Major projects and initiatives

Its portfolio includes the comprehensive $34 million restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, completed in 2012, which addressed structural failures and improved water quality. Another signature initiative is the ongoing transformation of the 50-acre Constitution Gardens, a project involving the replacement of the dilapidated lake and the creation of a new memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence. The organization has also funded critical repairs to the Jefferson Memorial sea wall, designed new sustainable landscapes for the Washington Monument grounds, and launched the “Mall Mitzvah” campaign for its 50th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service. Current planning includes resilience projects to address flooding from the Potomac River and Tidal Basin.

Organizational structure and leadership

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors comprising leaders from the philanthropic, corporate, and civic sectors, including notable figures from institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and former officials from the U.S. Senate. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by President Catherine Townsend, who previously held leadership roles at the National Park Foundation and the Ad Council. Advisory councils, including a Design Advisory Council with architects from firms like Sasaki Associates, provide expert guidance on project planning and historical integrity. The structure ensures close operational integration with the National Park Service’s National Capital Region headquarters.

Fundraising and partnerships

Fundraising is achieved through major gifts from philanthropic foundations like the Tiffany & Co. Foundation and American Express, corporate partnerships with entities such as History Channel and Boeing, and public membership campaigns. A landmark $10 million gift from David M. Rubenstein supported the Washington Monument repairs. The organization also leverages cause-related marketing campaigns and special events, including galas at venues like the National Building Museum. Critical public-sector partnerships include coordinated funding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and grants administered by the National Endowment for the Humanities for educational programming.

Public engagement and programs

Public outreach includes the “Find Your Way” initiative, which installed new signage and launched a mobile app in partnership with Google. Educational programs range on-site learning labs for students and virtual field trips developed with the Library of Congress. The organization hosts volunteer events for landscape restoration and coordinates with demonstration groups like the March for Science on stewardship protocols. Temporary public art installations, such as the “Beyond Granite” pilot managed with the Pew Charitable Trusts, and participation in large-scale events like the Presidential Inauguration ceremonies, foster broader civic engagement with the space.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:National Park Service Category:Organizations established in 2007