NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RECEIVED HIGHEST GRANT IN HISTORY OF $100 MILLION

The National Park Service (NPS) was established in 1916 with the goals of safeguarding natural areas and providing all of its visitors with an exceptional experience. Now it will carry out these missions because of a kind donation. The National Park Foundation revealed that Lilly Endowment Inc. has given it the biggest grant in its history, totalling $100 million.

"Private philanthropy has been a crucial factor in filling the funding gap for parks for more than 50 years," stated Will Shafroth, CEO and president of the National Park Foundation, which was established by Congress in the 1960s as the NPS's fundraising arm. "With the help of this grant, we will be able to intensify our efforts to guarantee that our national parks belong to all people and future generations."

The funds will be utilised to meet the needs of the more than 400 national park sites that comprise the National Park Service (NPS), including well-known, expansive locations like Yosemite National Park in California and Yellowstone National Park in Montana, as well as locations like the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"The beauty and wonders of nature-inspired our founders, and they supported research and educational programs about archaeology and the cultural history of our country," stated N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of the Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based organisation founded by the family behind the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. Therefore, we are happy to use this grant to further their interests. 

The funds will be distributed among four main objectives: supplying a more thorough historical narrative that includes underrepresented groups; safeguarding the health and longevity of the delicate ecosystems and species, like trout; leveraging new technology that makes the parks more accessible and engaging; and providing opportunities for youth, so inspiring the next generation of park stewards. The funds will be distributed among four main objectives: supplying a more thorough historical narrative that includes underrepresented groups; safeguarding the health and longevity of the delicate ecosystems and species, like trout; leveraging new technology that makes the parks more accessible and engaging; and providing opportunities for youth, so inspiring the next generation of park stewards.