PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The National Park Foundation, which supports the United States’ national parks, is set to receive a groundbreaking grant of $100 million—the largest in its history. This significant donation has been described as a game-changer for the nation’s parks.
The funding comes from the Lilly Endowment Inc., a foundation based in Indianapolis, and is aimed at enhancing the services and facilities at over 400 national park sites across the country. Will Shafroth, the president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, expressed that this donation marks the biggest grant ever received by U.S. national parks.
The generous funds will address a variety of needs within the national parks system, with plans to announce the first allocation of the grant later this year, according to Shafroth.
A generous donation will help support the nation’s national parks. AP correspondent Jennifer King has the report.
While the specific uses for the funds are yet to be finalized, Shafroth highlighted some key priorities. One major focus will be on restoring coral reefs at Biscayne National Park in Florida, alongside efforts to revive various trout species in western national parks. These are just some of the recent initiatives the foundation has invested in.
In addition to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife, the foundation plans to use part of the grant to create opportunities for young people to explore and enjoy national parks.
“This grant will supercharge our efforts to ensure that our national parks remain accessible and welcoming for everyone, now and in the future,” Shafroth stated.
The national parks system includes a diverse range of sites, from renowned parks like Yellowstone in Montana and Yosemite in California to treasured locations like the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It also encompasses lesser-known areas, such as Buck Island Reef National Monument in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which may be difficult for some to access.
The National Park Foundation is actively working on its “Campaign for National Parks,” a comprehensive $1 billion fundraising initiative aimed at enhancing these natural treasures. N. Clay Robbins, chair and CEO of Lilly Endowment, emphasized that their donation is intended to support this vital effort.
“We believe that the National Park Foundation’s campaign will elevate programming and ensure the future vitality of our country’s amazing system of parks, monuments, and historic sites,” Robbins remarked.
___
The Lilly Endowment contributes funding to support Associated Press coverage on topics including democracy, philanthropy, and religion.
