A $100 million donation from an Indiana philanthropic endowment represents the largest single gift ever received by the National Park Service’s official nonprofit. The National Park Foundation (NPF) announced on Monday that it has been awarded this substantial grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Although specifics on how the funds will be allocated across the many national park sites are still pending, NPF CEO Will Shafroth indicated that the foundation aims to reveal an initial set of grants by the year’s end.
The National Park Foundation receives a record $100 million donation from Indiana’s Lilly Endowment to support U.S. national parks
Shafroth emphasized the transformative potential of the donation, stating, “For over 50 years, private philanthropy has been essential in addressing the funding gaps for park needs. This grant will enhance our efforts to ensure national parks remain accessible for future generations.”
NPS Director Chuck Sams praised the donation, calling it “a visionary investment” that will have a lasting impact on both the parks and their surrounding communities. He noted, “This gift demonstrates the profound effect philanthropy can have on advancing our shared commitment to these vital resources.”
N. Clay Robbins, chair and CEO of Lilly Endowment, expressed his support for the grant, highlighting the foundation’s dedication to advancing research and education related to the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. “We are excited to support the National Park Foundation’s campaign, which we believe will benefit the future of our national parks, monuments, and historic sites,” Robbins said.
Established by Congress in 1967, the NPF facilitates private support for the National Park Service and land donations. The Lilly Endowment’s contribution arrives as part of the Campaign for National Parks, a huge fundraising initiative with a $1 billion goal.
Previous known contributions to the NPF include donations of Maine wilderness for the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and funds for a memorial at the Flight 93 crash site from the September 11, 2001, attacks.
