An Indiana-based nonprofit has made a significant donation of $100 million to a group dedicated to supporting and safeguarding national parks across the United States.

Lilly Endowment Inc., a foundation based in Indianapolis, provided the funding to the National Park Foundation (NPF), who announced the news on Monday. The NPF described this grant as “transformative,” noting it is the largest donation the organization has ever received.

Will Shafroth, the president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for this exceptional contribution in a recent news release.

The foundation focuses on protecting wildlife and park lands, preserving cultural and historical legacies, and engaging young people in educational opportunities, as highlighted in the announcement.

Funding will prepare the next generation of park guardians

The foundation has earmarked the funds for four main initiatives, according to the announcement:

• Creating educational opportunities for youth to enhance their understanding of history and environmental stewardship.
• Protecting endangered parks and wildlife through initiatives aimed at safeguarding the ecosystems and species that depend on national parks.
• Ensuring national parks can adapt to increased visitor numbers and implement new technologies in an inclusive manner.
• Highlighting diverse narratives in America’s history, particularly for communities that have been historically overlooked.

This grant will contribute to the Campaign for National Parks, a $1 billion fundraising initiative launched by NPF to tackle significant challenges facing the National Park Service, such as rising sea levels, climate changes, overcrowding by visitors, shifting demographic trends, and aging facilities.

Understanding Lilly Endowment

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a commitment to fostering community improvement, education, and religious endeavors.

N. Clay Robbins, the chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment, mentioned in the announcement that the organization’s founders were strong supporters of educational and research initiatives, especially those related to archaeology and the nation’s cultural heritage.

“We are pleased to contribute to those interests through this grant,” Robbins said. “We believe the National Park Foundation’s campaign will enhance programming in our nation’s remarkable system of parks, monuments, and historical sites, ensuring their continued vibrancy for future generations.”