$100 Donated to Protect America's Fragile National Park Ecosystems.

In a landmark move for environmental conservation, the National Parks Foundation (NPF) is set to receive the largest philanthropic gift in its history: $100 million from the Lilly Endowment. This unprecedented donation is earmarked for safeguarding some of the most delicate ecosystems within America’s national parks.

The Lilly Endowment's gift will be directed towards protecting ecosystems at immediate risk of degradation, focusing on both large and small national parks. For example, while parks like Glacier and Canyonlands preserve expansive landscapes, others like Biscayne Bay and Channel Islands protect highly vulnerable ecosystems. This funding will address critical needs in these areas, from restoring coral reefs in Biscayne Bay to reviving wild trout populations in western parks.

Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the NPF, explained that the Lilly Endowment’s contribution will support essential projects beyond the 63 major national parks, including over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Recent NPF initiatives have included coral reef restoration and habitat protection, and the first grants from this new gift are expected to continue these vital efforts.

The donation comes at a crucial time. The national parks face a significant backlog in maintenance, estimated at around $24 billion. The Great American Outdoors Act, passed in 2020, sought to address this with a promise of $9.5 billion over five years through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Despite this, the need remains substantial. Private philanthropy, such as the Lilly Endowment’s gift, plays a pivotal role in bridging the funding gap and enabling immediate action on urgent projects.

Shafroth emphasized the importance of private contributions in maintaining and enhancing national parks. “For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come,” he stated.

The Lilly Endowment’s historic gift not only highlights the critical role of private support in conservation but also sets a powerful precedent for future philanthropic endeavors aimed at preserving America’s natural heritage.