With the practical fund raising challenges National Parks face, anything that the committee can do to encourage private philanthropy as a part of Vision 2020 would be helpful. Communicate clearly that while traditional funding will be always be there so that the National Parks are preserved, America must incorporate new ways, including philanthropy, to make each citizen's Park experience all that it can be. Much attention has been paid to the potential of corporate and foundation support of National Parks. When addressing the subject of philanthropy, Vision 2020 should focus where the money is and that is with individual Americans. Incentives may be required to overcome perceptions that traditional funding is the only way to meet every park need.
People give, and give in larger amounts, to specific things they care about.
As Vision 2020 is crafted, it is important to emphasis local, place-specific philanthropy. Emphasis on the National Park System is misplaced as a stimulus to contributions. People are reluctant to give to systems. They want to contribute to those places that are meaningful to them. Vision 2020 should encourage citizens to support their favorite places those National Parks that provide the inspiration and experience that they enjoy.