Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the purpose of NGF?

A. The Next Generation Fund is a critical endowment fund created in 2006 by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association (RMNA) to meet the challenges of connecting the next generation of children with nature.  An increasingly high-tech world and associated lifestyle are putting this vital relationship between children and nature at risk. The Next Generation Fund is setting out to capture the hearts, minds and funding necessary to secure the future for the educational programs at Rocky Mountain National Park. With the Fund’s help we can take advantage of the park’s greatest asset – the ability to inspire life-long appreciation of nature through highly trained educators, rangers and youth programs. Through unmatched learning opportunities, connections to this unique park are forged that will be passed on from generation to generation.


Q. Why would anyone give to a public park that is financed by the federal government?

A. It is hard to believe that we have to raise awareness, let alone the funds, to make sure our children don’t miss out on their own priceless heritage. The simple fact is, The Next Generation Fund endowment is the only way to provide crucial, permanent funding for education services that will assure wonderful opportunities and a valuable and permanent gift to our children. The Endowment is designed to provide services and programs that go beyond the capabilities of Federal tax-supported funding.


Q. What is RMNA’s relationship with the National Park Service?

A. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association is one of sixty-five Cooperating Associations nationwide working in partnership with America’s national parks.  Established on July 8, 1931, RMNA is one of the oldest such organizations in the nation. Its nonprofit, corporate charter was issued on June 20, 1955. As indicated in our mission statement: THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURE ASSOCIATION promotes the understanding of Rocky Mountain National Park and similar public lands through interpretive or educational publications and programs; advances stewardship through philanthropy for Rocky Mountain National Park and similar public lands; protects, restores, maintains and preserves land and historic sites in Rocky Mountain National Park and elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain West, and, in furtherance of such mission, conducts any lawful activity.


Q. Why did you choose what will be funded by the endowment?

A. What is missing in Rocky Mountain National Park is a sustained and sustainable long-term effort to nurture an interest in nature among young people.  What the future demands is innovation.  What addresses this need is a firm financial footing that allows for the expansion of educational and experiential programs.  Someday we will entrust our natural heritage to these younger hands.  It is our duty to impress the ideals of parks and preservation and the legacy of scenic and wild places upon the next generation.

The Next Generation Fund does not offer a silver-bullet solution; instead it promises to expand a host of well-tested programs, while establishing a mandate for creativity and new programs in the future.  In the long run, the stewardship of parks cannot rely solely on stories from the past to breed future success.  Stewardship is a task we’ve inherited and it depends on the Next Generation.  Stewardship will happen only if we make a strong commitment to conservation education today. The programs supported by the Next Generation Fund exist today and have demonstrated success in meeting the objectives of the Fund. Will they always be supported by the Fund? Not necessarily. Programs change, evolve, emerge and disappear. What the Fund will do, however, is promise to always fund the best programs – those that have the greatest potential to meet the challenge of creating the stewards of tomorrow.


Q. What kinds of projects are selected?

A. Great question! To be selected for support by the Next Generation Fund, an idea or program must have two essential characteristics: It MUST connect kids to nature; and, it MUST be measurable.  Measurable outcomes are the key and all programs must meet these ideals. Since we’re trying to change the values and attitudes of an entire generation, funded programs must produce measurable results at the attitude level. We believe that if we create stewards, even one-at-a-time, these values will spread through society as they have in the past.  


Q. Who governs the Next Generation Fund?

A. The Next Generation Fund is administered by the Rocky Mountain Nature Association on behalf of its educational partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park. This assures that donations to the Fund are tax-deductible under RMNA’s non-profit 501(c)(3) status. Funds raised to support federal programs must be raised pursuant to a fundraising agreement that documents the purpose and methods of fundraising and the disposition of funds raised. Decisions on fundraising methods, investment policy, allocation of funds to be spent and accountability are guided by law and are the responsibility of the RMNA under the terms of its cooperating and fundraising agreements.


Q. Can there be corporate sponsors?

A. Certainly! Corporate donors should contact the Rocky Mountain Nature Association as follows:
Rocky Mountain Nature Association
PO Box 3100
Estes Park CO 80517

Or call:

970-586-0108

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