The Role of Philanthropy in Parks

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Park Leaders Show Ep 311 The Role of philanthropy in parks

“Nothing gets done without partners. And in fact, it’s way more fun when you get to do it with other people.”

Philanthropy is a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed in the world of park management. This week, I had the privilege of diving deep into this crucial topic with Sarah Unz, Vice President of Community Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, and Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Board Chair of the Friends Alliance.

Both Sarah and Ryan shared their personal journeys and passion for the parks, revealing how philanthropy isn’t just about funding. It’s about building lasting partnerships and creating a shared vision for the future.

Ryan McClure, who leads Gateway Arch Park Foundation, detailed his role in transitioning the organization from its roots as the CityArchRiver project, a $380 million public-private effort to revitalize the iconic Arch grounds and surrounding areas, into a dedicated conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. Under his leadership, the Foundation has forged solid relationships with donors, community stakeholders, and the park itself, resulting in consistent growth in revenue and mission impact. His work exemplifies how public-private partnerships can address gaps in government funding, bringing transformative projects to life.

Sarah Unz, who oversees strategic partnerships at the National Park Foundation, offered a broader perspective on how collaboration fuels progress across the National Park System. Her team works closely with the National Park Service and the National Park Friends Alliance to advance innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. With over 15 years of experience in partnership building and conservation, Sarah highlighted the Foundation’s multibillion-dollar campaign aimed at addressing challenges like staff housing and environmental sustainability.

One project that stood out during our conversation was the renovation of St. Louis’ historic Old Courthouse, a cornerstone of the Gateway Arch experience. This effort, funded through a collaboration that included contributions from local high school artists, not only conserved a vital piece of history but also engaged the community in meaningful ways—an embodiment of the partnership-driven approach both Sarah and Ryan champion.

Both leaders emphasized the transformative power of parks to connect people—not just to nature but also to each other and to their communities. Whether it’s through the dedicated work of Friends groups or innovative national campaigns, the shared message was clear: our parks thrive because of those who love them.

As Sarah and Ryan eloquently put it, parks are more than landscapes—they are living legacies of community spirit, shared resources, and collective action. By visiting, donating, and actively participating, we ensure that the magic of our national parks endures for generations to come.

Let’s take inspiration from leaders like Sarah and Ryan. Whether it’s rolling up our sleeves for a local project or supporting larger conservation efforts, we all have a role to play in preserving these national treasures.