National Park Foundation
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| Founded | December 18, 1967 |
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| Founder | Lady Bird Johnson and Laurance Rockefeller |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
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Area served
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U.S. National Parks |
| Website | www |
The National Park Foundation (NPF) is the official charity of America’s national parks. Funds contributed to the Foundation are invested directly into the national parks of the United States. The NPF was chartered by Congress to "further the conservation of natural, scenic, historic, scientific, educational, inspirational, or recreational resources for future generations of Americans." The NPF raises private funds for the benefit of, or in connection with, the National Park Service.
Working on its own and with partners, the National Park Foundation funds grants and programs that meet priorities and critical needs across our National Park System in the areas of youth, community outreach, conservation and professional engagement. The Foundation actively supports the National Park Service in its goal to prepare national parks for another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment by its 100th anniversary in 2016.
The National Park Foundation has outreach programs focused on attracting youth and minority groups to visiting national parks. The America's Best Idea program connects under-engaged populations with national parks, and has awarded 2,000,000 dollars engaging 250,000 people and 51,000 youth. The African American Experience Fund operates in 25 parks with the goal of preserving African American history in national parks. The American Latino Heritage Fund aims to utilize a 2.5 million dollar grant to celebrate the contributions of Latino Americans and recognize their culture. The Ticket Ride program aims to fund trips and provide transportation for 100,000 students annually to travel to national parks. The Park Steward Program is sponsored by the University of Phoenix and aims to empower high school students through service learning activities
On February 13, 2013, Rep. Erik Paulsen introduced into the United States House of Representatives the National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 627; 113th Congress), a bill that would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS). The coins would all have a surcharge attached, the money from which would be given to the National Park Foundation. Paulsen argued that "even during tough economic times, it's important to find new, cost-effective ways to preserve these treasures for future generations to learn from and enjoy." President and CEO of the National Park Foundation Neil Mulholland said that "the commemorative coins would be a special ways for individuals to mark this significant milestone while simultaneously providing incredible support to these cherished places." The bill passed in the House in April 2014 and was referred to the United States Senate. Similar legislation (S
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