National Park Trust is committed to getting kids unplugged, outside, and inspired by the natural world. Its signature Buddy Bison School Program has engaged 30,000 youngsters with American parks and public lands – 10,000 from the DC metro area alone – providing teachers with hands-on resources for science and history classes that enhance existing school curricula. And the benefits to children’s brains and bodies are undeniable: studies show that spending time outdoors eases symptoms of depression and ADHD, and helps curb obesity and diabetes. To create opportunities for kids to visit local, state, or national parks, NPT handles the logistics and covers transportation costs (the primary obstacle for most schools). From park trips, to canoe adventures, to service projects, the Trust has made conservation relevant and exciting for thousands of DC-area youth. After all, preservation is at the heart of NPT, which has overseen 100 land projects in parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. The goal of the Trust's education programs? Cultivating future park stewards and conservationists. You can join your resources with theirs.
Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-City of Alexandria
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)
Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Schools They Work In: All DC Public Schools; Harmony Hills Elementary School, Silver Spring; Beacon Heights Elementary School, Riverdale Park; Jefferson Houston Elementary School, Alexandria; Elise Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School, D.C.; Neval Thomas Elementary School, D.C.; St. Frances Xavier, D.C.; Washington Jesuit Academy, D.C.; Washington School for Girls, D.C.
- Number of clients served in outdoor education programs (students/others) annually:
10,000-15,000 - Other: :
We have completed more than 100 park projects benefiting 49 national park units and other public lands in 33 states. - Number of children we prepare for success in school annually:
NPT will develop the mechanism to get all 3,200 fourth-grade students in DCPS to a national park during the 2016-17 school year.
Awards & Recognition
NPT received a Top Rated ranking of A from Charity Watch - June 2015
NPT meets all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance - June 2015
NPT is a Gold-Level GuideStar Exchange participant, demonstrating a commitment to transparency. - June 2015
NPT's Annual Report won the 2009 ECO Award of Excellence for environmental writing, the highest honor awarded by the organization Global Environmental Communications (GEC). NPT's website also won an ECO Award of Merit - July 2009
Press
- Yosemite announces biggest expansion in 70 years, adding new meadows and forestland
Wed Sep 7 2016, LA Times
In its biggest expansion in decades, Yosemite National Park on Wednesday broadened its western boundary by adding 400 acres.
- Find Your Park!
Tue Aug 23 2016, WH.gov
"Parks are very important to me. When you go to parks, you are able to see just how beautiful and awesome the outdoors can be..."
- National Park Trust, Outdoors Alliance for Kids Receive The North Face 2016 Explore Fund Grants
Thu Jun 30 2016, parktrust.org
Both of these grants will be used starting this fall and throughout the 2016-2017 school year.
- 6th Annual 'Kids to Parks Day', Saturday, May 21, 2016
Wed May 4 2016, PRNewswire-USNewswire
Family Park Events Planned Across U.S. To Kick Start 100th Birthday Celebration For The National Park Service.
- Outdoor Industry, Rei and The Fund Team Up With Mayor Bowser to Give Park Experiences to Every 4th Grader in Washington, D.C.
Wed May 4 2016, Conservationfund.org
Timed with the National Park Centennial, REI, outdoor advocacy groups and the Mayor work together to get every kid in D.C. to a park.
Budget (FY2015)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for National Park Trust is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!