The National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit organization of the National Park Service, is poised to receive an unprecedented $100 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., marking the largest donation in the foundation’s history. This significant gift is described as a game-changer for the United States’ national parks system, which comprises over 400 park sites across the country. President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, Will Shafroth, emphasized that the funds will be instrumental in addressing the diverse needs of these national treasures.

The donation will be utilized to support various vital projects within national parks. While the specific allocation of the funds is yet to be determined, Shafroth highlighted priorities such as the restoration of coral reefs at Biscayne National Park in Florida and the rehabilitation of trout species in western national parks. Moreover, the foundation aims to utilize the grant to create opportunities for youth to experience and explore these national parks.

Shafroth expressed his enthusiasm for the grant, emphasizing its potential to bolster the foundation’s efforts in ensuring the accessibility and preservation of national parks for present and future generations. The National Park Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and conservation is further supported by Lilly Endowment’s generous donation, which aligns with the ongoing “Campaign for National Parks,” a $1 billion initiative aimed at bolstering support for parks.

Chair and CEO of Lilly Endowment Inc., N. Clay Robbins, articulated the foundation’s belief that the National Park Foundation’s campaign will enhance programming and ensure the long-term vitality of the diverse array of parks, monuments, and historic sites in the United States. This transformative grant underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding and promoting the rich natural and cultural heritage encapsulated within the national parks system.