By Lisa Drake, Donor Engagement Manager
Ten years ago, Washington’s National Park Fund launched the Over the Top (OTT) Society to recognize a special kind of generosity: unrestricted support that can be put to work wherever the parks need it most.
The idea was simple. Every year, park superintendents identify priority projects that need private support to become a reality. Often, our team is able to raise almost enough to fully fund those projects, but at the end of the year we’re not quite there. Over the Top Society donors provide the flexible funding to help take those projects “over the top” so they can be put into action.
Ten years later, that mission remains as important as ever.
When the OTT Society was established in 2016, WNPF awarded what was then a record-breaking $700,000 in grants supporting 29 projects across Washington’s national parks.
Today, the OTT Society has grown to more than 200 members, including 26 supporters who have remained committed since the very beginning. Their support helped make possible a record $2.28 million in grants to the parks, funding more than 40 priority projects this year.
Those numbers tell a story not only of growth, but also of the evolving needs across the parks.
Over the last decade, visitation has continued to increase, placing greater demands on park resources even as expenses continue to rise. At the same time, wildfires and other weather-related events can quickly reshape park needs, making the ability to respond in real time more important than ever. As park leaders identify the projects that will protect and enhance Washington’s national parks, flexible funding remains essential to turning those priorities into reality.
The Adventures in Your Big Backyard is a long-running youth outreach program in Olympic National Park — and it is fully funded through philanthropic support from Washington’s National Park Fund.
At its heart, the OTT Society is about people who believe in the lasting value of Washington’s national parks and want their giving to make the greatest possible difference.
For founding member Janice Ashleman, it was her firsthand experience in the parks that inspired her to join:
As a Mount Rainier Meadow Rover volunteer for over a decade, I see the impact on the park from the increased numbers of people visiting. We decided to give through WNPF’s OTT Society because we know the money will be well spent where it’s needed most.”
Over the past decade, OTT Society supporters like Janice have helped ensure WNPF has the flexibility to respond to emerging needs as park priorities evolve. Together, these supporters have formed a community of park champions committed to protecting these extraordinary places for future generations.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the OTT Society, we’re grateful for every member who has helped bring critical park projects to life.
The parks have changed over the past decade and the challenges they face have grown. But one thing remains constant: a community of dedicated supporters committed to ensuring Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks continue to thrive.
For founding member and former WNPF board member John Newhoff, the true measure of the OTT Society’s impact lies in what comes next:
Being in the OTT Society fits right in with work we did on the board during my tenure to help establish our endowment funds. Ongoing, year-on-year commitment to the parks by enough people is what will help WNPF make a bigger and bigger difference every year, and in 50-100 years, imagine what we’ll be doing!”
The Over the Top Society is a dedicated community of park champions who go the extra mile for Washington’s national parks. When you become a member, you help ensure critical, high-priority projects get the final push they need to move forward. Join our OTT Society today at wnpf.org/OTT.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. We raise money to preserve and protect these three national parks, funding scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep them strong and vital now and forever.
Cover photo: Mount Rainier National Park, captured by WNPF Creative Partner Laura Lango