By: Andrea Christensen, Director of Donor Engagement
At Washington’s National Park Fund, we take immense pride in being the philanthropic heart supporting Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. These majestic landscapes are not just natural wonders – they’re vital ecosystems that demand continuous care and preservation.
Central to this mission are our national park endowments, funds that are invested for the long run – generating ongoing support and playing a crucial role in securing the future of these cherished parks.
Regular funding is essential for the long-term planning and execution of vital initiatives like habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and visitor education in national parks. Unlike annual fundraising campaigns that provide one-time funding and can fluctuate with external pressures or trends, endowments provide a permanent, steady, and reliable source of income.
If we think of our annual fund support as the parks’ checking account, then the endowment would be considered as the savings account. Both are important to provide crucial funding for park priority projects.
For instance, during unexpected financial shortfalls or crises, endowment funds can provide the necessary resources to continue providing for priority park projects without interruption, allowing staff to focus on proactive and strategic planning rather than constantly reacting to funding uncertainties.
The journey of our endowments began with visionary donors who recognized the importance of safeguarding Washington’s national parks for future generations. Through generous contributions from the Eleanor Wilson Trust and the Bette Wallace Trust, and dedicated fundraising efforts, WNPF established these endowments to provide perpetual support.
WNPF’s national park endowments serve as a financial backbone for our parks, generating investment earnings income that is used to “top up” projects that are nearly funded at the end of our fiscal year. With your help, we’re aiming to provide even more for the parks through increased funding from the national park endowments.
Through our multi-year Together for the Parks campaign, we aim to raise $4 million for the endowments. Our goal? To bring each national park endowment to the $2 million mark and ensure the investment earnings they generate will provide significant and ongoing, support for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
Don Gaines was a long-time park supporter and dear friend of the Fund before his passing in August. He gave generously both in gifts of resources and time, having served for many years on WNPF’s Board of Directors including the crucial time of growth in the early stages of its creation. In recent years, his giving made a tangible difference for the park endowments – ensuring his impact will be felt in Washington’s national parks not just in his lifetime but in decades to come.
When asked why he chose to support the national park endowments, Don shared: “My wife Sue and I have loved the parks since we were little kids. We would like to see the parks maintained in their natural state for our kids and their kids to enjoy, and a key part of that are endowments.”
In part thanks to funding support from donors like Don, who have helped build the endowments to where they are today, WNPF’s endowments have generated additional funding for a variety of park projects. This year, endowment funds have supported Mount Rainier’s “Access for All” accessible trails guide, wilderness internships in North Cascades, and support for diverse interns in Olympic National Park.
“The funding for a lot of ongoing park projects comes from annual donations. Wouldn’t it be great to have those supported by a continuous income stream? That’s what the endowments do! As you contemplate your annual giving, please strongly consider a donation to the park endowments.” — Don Gaines, WNPF Donor and Former Board Member (2000 – 2017)
Each donation of any size contributes to a legacy of conservation and education, enabling us to protect these natural treasures. We invite all our supporters to join us.
By contributing to the endowments, you are not only helping to maintain the beauty and integrity of these parks but also ensuring that future generations can experience their wonders. You can learn more about the endowments – and how to make an endowment gift – at wnpf.org/endowments.
Together, we can preserve the splendor of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks for all to enjoy for future generations.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. We raise private support to preserve and protect Washington’s national parks, funding scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep these parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone.
We are grateful to the generous supporters who have provided gifts to WNPF’s national park endowments through the Together for the Parks campaign, with special thanks to Peter Briglia, Jr., Sallie and John Chaney, Jane Eckels and Hans Andersen, Don* and Sue Gaines, Glein Family Foundation, Fred and Sydney Hammerquist, James M. Lea Foundation, Dave Meyer and Molly Wood, Jeannette Privat, Tom Reynolds and Mariluz Villa, Joel and Michelle VandenBrink, Bob Wiley*, Anonymous (2).
*deceased
Cover photo taken by John Chao, WNPF Creative Partner.