Private philanthropy has a long history and important role in the development of America’s National Park system.Charitable donations by the Rockefeller family, notably by Laurance S. Rockefeller, helped to establish, enlarge or improve national parks across the United States. From Maine to Hawaii and Alaska to the Virgin Islands, over two dozen national park sites, including Acadia, Great Smokies, Grand Teton and Yosemite have benefited from his generosity and conservation ethic.
The Mellon family has also contributed significantly as has Walter and Leonore Annenberg at sites nation-wide.
Philanthropy continues to ensure that our national treasures are protected for future generations. The National Park Foundation, National Park Trust and Trust for Public Land are just a few organizations that secure land for the continued protection and preservation of national parks. Other non-profit organizations, corporations and private citizens act individually and collectively in cooperative preservation partnerships.
Advocacy groups such as Friends of Virgin Islands National Park are increasingly playing a vital role in supporting park units in the advancement of the Mission of the National Park Service. Equally important is the generosity of volunteers who are the spirit of many of many philanthropic groups, who unselfishly give their time and individual expertise in the support of the National Park Service.
(Charity & Public Work • Landmarks) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
