Higher Education

Since the beginning of its Higher Education program, the Foundation has made grants in this area totaling approximately $129 million, of which $104 million have been in the form of student financial aid.  Currently, the program is focused on the two institutions mentioned below.

Ithaca College, Park School of Communications
In 1997, a small pilot program began scholarship support for eight to ten students in the Park School. The initiative evolved over time into the current Park Scholars program, providing four years of support for up to 20 students in each graduating class.

North Carolina State University
The Park Scholars program at North Carolina State University began with 25 students in the Class of 2000, expanding to its present size of approximately 50 students in each graduating class -- providing four years of support without regard to area of study.

Public Broadcasting / Media

Park Foundation, Inc. has made grants totaling approximately $47 million under its Public Broadcasting/Media program since its inception. In addition to the series mentioned below, support has on occasion been provided for such documentaries as Trade Secrets by Bill Moyers, among others.

Educational Broadcasting Corporation (WNET-TV)
Support for Nature from 1996 to 2005 and for NOW with Bill Moyers (2003-2004).  Currently supporting Bill Moyers Journal and NOW With David Brancaccio.

WGBH
Support for NOVA from 1997 to 2005.  Currently supporting Frontline.

Greater Washington Educational Telecommunication Association, Inc. (WETA-TV)
Various programming, including several projects by Ken Burns, since 1996.  Currently supporting The News Hour With Jim Lehrer.

Environment

To date, the Foundation has committed approximately $29 million to various environmental causes. These have ranged from smaller grassroots initiatives to national organizations, with a more recent focus on issues of freshwater.

World Media Foundation, Producer of Living on Earth
Support for coverage of freshwater issues for Living on Earth.

Food and Water Watch
Support for the Take Back the Tap.

American Rivers
Support for community-based solutions for clean, abundant water. 

Green Corps
Support for a program designed to address water privatization issues.

Natural Resources Defense Council
Various programs since 1997, including forests, water, and wildlife protection.  Most recently, the Foundation has supported NRDC's drinking water protection projects.

Southern Environmental Law Center
Support for a variety of purposes and projects since 1997, including forests, coastal and wetlands work, and reducing pollution from animal feedlots in the Southeast.

North Carolina Environmental Defense, Inc
Support for the work of Environmental Defense, Inc., since 1997, in the areas of air, energy and most recently, water.

Giving in 2007...

During the year 2007, the Park Foundation made grants totaling approximately $17.7 million to a variety of causes and organizations.