National Park Foundation
When you stand in one of America’s majestic parks, you can not help gape in wonder at the beauty and intensity of the scenery surrounding you. You have probably there and know what we mean.
Founded by Lady Bird Johnson on charter from Congress, the National Park Foundation as existed since 1967. It’s mission is to support the National Park Service as the official charitable partner safeguarding our national outdoors and ensuring generations of national park enthusiasts are able to enjoy the park of their choice at the time the urge strikes.
As the Foundation writes, “Our national parks are a uniquely American idea, truly supported by all of us. We are inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. We seek the wild and untamed land, the places where history was made, the sites that honor our heroes, and we stand behind what really matters— protecting these sacred places.”
2018 Contributions Received
$74,896,669
2018 Program Revenue Earned
$1,518,289
2018 Net Assets
$197,685,553
The Foundation is focused solely on supporting the philanthropic needs of the National Park Service.
2018 Salaries
$9,853,189 for 82 employees
(approximately 13% of funds raised annually)
2018 Non-Salary, Non-Grant Expenses
$24,494,758
(approximately 32% of funds raised annually)
The Foundation granted more than $23 million in calendar 2018 to the initiatives it supports on behalf of the National Park Service. The Foundation collects donations from many sources and especially corporate America like Subaru of America, Union Pacific, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser.
Current Board & Volunteers
27 Board Members all Independent of the Organization
28 Volunteers
President & CEO
William Shafroth (since 2015)
Previously Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior
The obvious immediate challenge for the National Park Foundation:
Continue to philanthropically support the National Park Service in a highly competitive market dominated by COVID-19 priorities and needs.
Generosity Assessment: The National Park Foundation has been highly successful in achieving its narrowly-focused mission. We believe the National Park Foundation is a great candidate for support from:
Principal Gifts
Program Related Investments
Social Impact Funds
Public-Private-Philanthropic Partnerships
Special, Special Events
For more information on the National Park Foundation or to make a donation, please visit their web site at: