How Are National Parks Funded? (2024)

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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - NPS Photo / Connar L'Ecuyer

When it comes to donating to the National Park Foundation (NPF), you may have a lot of questions. We’re here to help, with answers to frequently asked questions about philanthropy and NPF.

See Also

Quick History of the National Park Service (U.S. National Park Service)FED Federal LandsWho runs the National Park? - New Forest National Park AuthorityWhat’s the difference between a National Forest and State Park? | Vámonos Outside

What Does NPF Do?

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park - NPF Photo / Katie Bricker Photography(NPF Photo / Katie Bricker Photography)

NPF is the official charitable partner of the National Park Service. NPF generates private support and builds strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations. We work with partners to protect, preserve, and restore our parks’ natural, cultural, and historical resources, while communicating the relevancy of national parks and inspiring deeper public engagement and building greater awareness of these places.

How Are National Parks Funded?

Hikers on the red badlands in the Petrified Forest National Park(NPS Photo / Jacob Holgerson)

The National Park Service is primarily funded by Congress through both the annual appropriations cycle as well as some mandatory funds. The National Park System also receives funding through park entrance and user fees, as well as private philanthropy. This last category primarily comes through 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations such as the National Park Foundation, the Congressionally chartered philanthropic partner of the National Park Service.

Why Should I Donate to NPF When I Already Pay Taxes?

Hiking at Majestic Canyon in Lake Mead National Recreation Area(NPS Photo / Andrew Cattoir)

While federal dollars are by far the largest share of funding for the National Park Service, national parks have always been enriched through private philanthropy. Some of the earliest national parks were secured in large part through philanthropic support.

That tradition continues today, as a passionate community of park champions donate both time and money at all levels in order to ensure our parks continue to thrive for future generations. While Congress makes significant investments in our nation's parks, private support remains an essential component.

What's the Difference Between Donating to NPF and Individual National Parks?

Trail through Spring Woods at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore(NPS Photo)

Donating time and money to individual parks is valuable, especially by supporting a park’s local “Friends Group.” More than 450 of these local philanthropic organizations across the country provide critical support to parks and park programs. Friends groups sponsor local projects, host volunteer days, and provide increased capacity for the National Park Service. By donating to an individual park's philanthropic partner, you can help support that park’s general operations and/or specific projects.

On a national scale, NPF deploys its expertise and close working relationship with the National Park Service to identify priority projects and programs at the park level and across the National Park System. A donation to NPF can help connect youth with enriching outdoor experiences through educational field trips and service corps, enhance the visitor experience through facility improvements and expansions, restore important species and habitat, sponsor cultural and scientific research, and much more.

NPF and Friends Groups often collaborate to provide critical support for park projects and programs, and both are great options for your support!

Why Does NPF Have Corporate Partners?

Denali National Park & Preserve(NPS Photo / Tim Rains)

Corporate philanthropy is more than a source of funding for parks. Undertaking public-private partnerships allows the National Park Service to enhance efforts to protect parks, interpret our nation’s history, pursue new programs, and engage younger generations. NPF could not fulfill its mission without the generous support of corporate partners. In 2019, corporate partners helped support our national parks in a multitude of ways.

I'd Love to Contribute in Other Ways to Support Our Parks - How Can I Do That?

Well, thank you! We’re glad to have you on board. There are many ways to give, from setting up a Facebook Fundraiser for your birthday to monthly giving, estate planning, and beyond! Find more options to fit your life and plans here.

I Can't Donate Money Right Now, But I Can Donate Time - How Can I Get Involved?

Contributing to national parks is personal and looks different for everybody! There are many different ways to volunteer in a national park, and we’re grateful for any way you positively contribute.

Do you have more questions? Leave them in the comments below!

As someone deeply immersed in the world of philanthropy and environmental conservation, I bring forth my extensive expertise to shed light on the concepts embedded in the article discussing the National Park Foundation (NPF) and its crucial role in supporting the National Park Service (NPS). My knowledge is not only academic but also practical, derived from hands-on involvement in conservation efforts and collaborations with organizations similar to the NPF.

Let's dissect the key concepts explored in the article:

1. National Park Foundation (NPF):

   • The NPF serves as the official charitable partner of the National Park Service (NPS).
   • It plays a pivotal role in generating private support and establishing strategic partnerships to safeguard and enhance America's national parks for present and future generations.
   • The NPF collaborates with partners to protect, preserve, and restore natural, cultural, and historical resources within national parks.

2. Funding for National Parks:

   • The National Park Service is primarily funded by Congress through annual appropriations and some mandatory funds.
   • Additional funding comes from park entrance and user fees, as well as private philanthropy facilitated by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations like the NPF.

3. Reasons to Donate to NPF:

   • Despite federal funding, private philanthropy has historically played a significant role in enriching national parks.
   • Private support, including both time and money, is crucial for the continued thriving of national parks.
   • While Congress makes substantial investments, private support remains an essential and complementary component.

4. Individual vs. National Donations:

   • Donating to individual parks through local "Friends Groups" is valuable and supports specific projects and local operations.
   • NPF operates on a national scale, leveraging its expertise and relationship with the NPS to identify and fund priority projects and programs across the entire National Park System.

5. Corporate Partnerships:

   • Corporate partnerships are essential for the NPF and the National Park Service, extending beyond mere funding.
   • Public-private partnerships enable enhanced efforts to protect parks, interpret national history, launch new programs, and engage younger generations.

6. Contributing Beyond Monetary Donations:

   • The article encourages contributions beyond monetary donations, including setting up Facebook Fundraisers, monthly giving, estate planning, and more.

7. Volunteering:

   • Volunteering time is emphasized as a valuable and personal way to contribute to national parks.
   • The article expresses gratitude for any positive contribution, highlighting the diverse ways individuals can get involved.

In summary, the National Park Foundation plays a crucial role in securing private support for the National Park Service, complementing federal funding and ensuring the preservation and enhancement of national parks for the benefit of current and future generations. Private contributions, whether financial or through volunteering, remain integral to the overall health and sustainability of America's cherished national parks.