The National Park Foundation, the fundraising arm of the National Park Service, has been granted $100 million by Lilly Endowment Inc., marking the largest donation in the foundation’s nearly 60-year history. President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, Will Shafroth, hailed the contribution, stating that it will strengthen efforts to make national parks accessible and inclusive for generations to come.
Four Key Priorities for Grant Funding
The substantial grant will fund four crucial priorities: – Providing opportunities for young people to experience and appreciate the parks. – Protecting and conserving endangered ecosystems and wildlife. – Expanding the historical narrative of the United States to include underrepresented perspectives. – Enhancing the visitor experience for the more than 320 million annual visitors to national parks.
Bridging the Funding Gap
The $100 million donation is the largest of its kind for national parks in U.S. history. Private philanthropy has played a significant role in supplementing the National Park Service’s budget, which stood at $3.3 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.
Lilly Endowment’s Legacy
The Lilly Endowment was established in 1937 by the Lilly family, founders of Eli Lilly and Company. Chairman and CEO N. Clay Robbins expressed the founders’ admiration for the natural world and their commitment to supporting research and education in archaeology and the nation’s cultural heritage.
National Park System’s Historical Evolution
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States, was established in 1872. The National Park Service was formalized in 1916 through an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson, leading to the expansion of the national park system to include over 400 sites nationwide.
