The $65 Million Impact: 7 Surprising Ways The National Park Foundation Is Transforming America's Parks In 2025

The National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charitable partner of the National Park Service (NPS), is entering a new era of conservation and public engagement in 2025, marked by a major leadership transition and record-breaking philanthropic success. This year’s initiatives are poised to dramatically enhance the visitor experience and protect the nation’s 430+ national parks, from iconic landscapes like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon to vital historical and cultural sites across the country.

The Foundation’s work in the current year, including a massive $5.8 million investment in its Service Corps Program and a renewed focus on cultural and historic resources, highlights its critical role in bridging the gap between federal funding and the parks' ever-growing needs. The NPF continues to be the catalyst for innovative projects that safeguard wildlife, restore infrastructure, and connect a new generation of Americans to their natural heritage.

The New Era of Leadership: A Profile of Jeff Reinbold and Will Shafroth

The year 2025 marks a significant leadership change for the National Park Foundation, ushering in a new chapter of strategic philanthropy for the national parks.

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Outgoing President and CEO: Will Shafroth

• Role: President and CEO (Until February 1, 2025)
• Tenure: Led the NPF for nearly a decade, guiding the organization through a period of exponential growth in national park philanthropy.
• Impact: Oversaw the Foundation's efforts during the National Park Service's centennial celebration and significantly expanded the scope and scale of its fundraising and grant-making operations.
• Background: A lifelong conservationist and outdoor enthusiast with a professional career dedicated to preservation and protection.

Incoming President and CEO: Jeff Reinbold

• Role: President and CEO (Effective February 1, 2025)
• Appointment: Appointed by the NPF's Board of Directors in September 2024, taking the reins after a period of transition.
• Experience: A veteran of the National Park Service (NPS), bringing deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of the parks' operational needs to the Foundation.
• Current Activity: Has already begun engaging in high-profile NPF events, including speaking at the 2025 National Christmas Tree Lighting.

This transition ensures that the Foundation's deep commitment to the parks remains, leveraging Shafroth's legacy of growth and Reinbold's extensive experience within the National Park Service to maximize future impact.

7 Major Initiatives and Financial Milestones Driving NPF's Success in 2025

The National Park Foundation's impact is measured not just in dollars raised but in the tangible projects that protect and preserve the American landscape. Here are the most critical, up-to-date initiatives and financial highlights of the NPF.

1. Record-Breaking Financial Power and Grant-Making

The NPF is operating from a position of unprecedented strength. The fiscal year 2024 saw the Foundation raise record revenue, positioning private philanthropy as a crucial catalyst for the National Park Service. This success translated directly into park support, with the NPF providing a massive $115 million in grants and programmatic support to national parks during fiscal year 2023. This financial muscle allows for large-scale, transformative projects that federal budgets alone cannot cover.

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2. The $65 Million Corporate Partnership with Subaru of America

One of the most significant and enduring partnerships is with Subaru of America. As the largest corporate partner of the NPF, Subaru has donated nearly $65 million in support to protect national parks over the years. The partnership continues into 2025 with the annual "Subaru Share the Love" campaign, running from November 20, 2025, through January 2, 2026, which inspires a lifelong love of the outdoors and provides essential funding for conservation efforts.

3. Massive Investment in the Service Corps Program

A key focus for NPF in 2025 is the Service Corps Program, which engages young adults and veterans in conservation work. The Foundation announced a substantial $5.8 million investment to support 47 Service Corps projects across the country. These projects are vital for trail maintenance, historic preservation, and habitat restoration, while also providing valuable job skills and experience for the next generation of park stewards.

4. Protecting Iconic Rivers and Trails

In response to critical issues identified by the NPS, the NPF awarded more than $1 million in grants through a specific Rivers and Trails Request for Proposals (RFP). This funding is dedicated to projects that ensure the long-term health and accessibility of the nation's most treasured waterways and hiking paths, supporting both ecological integrity and visitor safety.

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5. The "Love Every Place, Leave No Trace" Campaign

As park visitation continues to grow, responsible recreation is paramount. The NPF is actively promoting the "Love Every Place, Leave No Trace" campaign in 2025. This initiative educates visitors on minimizing their impact, protecting natural resources, and ensuring the parks remain pristine for future generations. This campaign is a critical component of the Foundation's broader education and engagement program area.

6. Celebrating National Park Week 2025

The Foundation plays a central role in promoting National Park Week, which kicks off on April 19, 2025, with waived entrance fees to national parks. This event, part of the larger "Find Your Park" effort, encourages Americans to explore the parks and discover their unique stories and landscapes. The NPF provides resources like exclusive Owner's Guides and travel tips to help visitors plan their perfect park experience.

7. Focused Program Areas for Long-Term Sustainability

NPF’s work is strategically divided into four major program areas, ensuring comprehensive support for the entire National Park System:

• Wildlife and Ecology: Funding projects like "Planting for Pollinators and Parks" to support critical habitats and biodiversity.
• Cultural and Historic Resources: Preserving the physical structures and historical narratives within the parks, such as the ongoing work on sites like Mormon Row.
• Park Infrastructure and Resilience: Investing in essential maintenance and improvements to ensure parks can withstand environmental changes and accommodate visitors.
• Education and Engagement: Awarding grants—111 in 2024 alone—to support field trips and educational activities that build on children's innate sense of wonder.

The Future of National Park Philanthropy

The National Park Foundation is more than just a fundraising arm; it is a strategic partner to the National Park Service, providing the flexibility and capital necessary for innovation and emergency response. With a new CEO, Jeff Reinbold, taking the helm in early 2025, the Foundation is well-equipped to leverage its record-breaking financial success and powerful corporate partnerships, like the one with Subaru, to tackle the complex challenges facing the parks today. From preserving historic buildings to funding crucial Service Corps projects, the NPF's comprehensive strategy ensures that the American idea of national parks—unique places for finding adventure and connecting with history—remains protected for generations to come.