CASE FOR SUPPORT
To stand at the edge of Grand Canyon is to feel something beyond words—AWE.
It’s the kind of wonder that stops you in your tracks, reminding you of the vastness of time, the power of nature, and our deep connection to something greater.
Hundreds of studies have shown that spending time in nature can make us feel better, both in body and mind, in a way that nothing else can. The emotions that being in natural places like Grand Canyon National Park brings about, such as amazement, awe, and wonder, have been shown to be the foundations of a powerful form of real happiness—a deeper form of happiness that enhances our well-being and brings about a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
For millions of years, Grand Canyon has endured— steadfast, magnificent, timeless. But its future is not guaranteed, and the visitors of tomorrow may not experience the happiness we find there now.
Grand Canyon is more than a breathtaking view—it’s a living landscape, a rich ecosystem,
and a place of profound history and human connection. It tells the story of our past, reflects the challenges of our present, and, if we choose to see it, reveals the future we are shaping.
But today, Grand Canyon faces urgent challenges.
At the canyon, the future is unfolding in real time. Wildlife is migrating to higher elevations, plant life is becoming more fragile, streams are drying, and the mighty Colorado River runs lower than ever before. These changes are warnings, but they are also opportunities—to learn, to act, and to inspire a movement for conservation.
At Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), we refuse to stand by and watch. As Grand Canyon National Park’s official nonprofit partner, GCC plays a crucial role in raising funds to supplement government funding, which is often insufficient to meet all park needs. We help bridge this gap, funding priority projects, responding quickly to urgent needs, and creating long-term sustainability through donations, partnerships, and endowments.
Like you, we are passionate about protecting Grand Canyon for generations to come. That’s why GCC is stepping up—working alongside park leadership to safeguard the programs and conservation efforts that keep this extraordinary place thriving.
Grand Canyon Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and preserving Grand Canyon, ensuring that its beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance endure. We are the park’s strongest advocate, working hand in hand with the National Park Service to find real solutions, and we’re committed to ensuring that every visitor continues to have an experience that only Grand Canyon can provide.
GCC supports the park through:
Investing in Critical Needs
Funding crucial conservation projects and visitor services to protect the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Inspiring Park Champions
Providing memorable experiences that welcome, ground, and invigorate.
Advocating for Grand Canyon’s Future
Ensuring its beauty and accessibility are preserved for all who seek inspiration here.
Tribal Co-Stewardship
At Grand Canyon Conservancy, we believe in honoring the enduring Indigenous histories and cultures that have shaped this landscape for millennia. Through respectful and creative partnerships, we support initiatives that protect sacred sites, uplift Indigenous knowledge, and ensure tribal voices play a vital role in shaping the future of the canyon. Together, we are forging a path of unity, resilience, and shared stewardship.
Elevating Indigenous Voices
With our tribal partners, we are correcting the erasure of Indigenous influence and moving into a new era of truth and inclusion. Co-management programs bring Indigenous perspectives to the forefront—ensuring history, stories, and legacies are heard and celebrated. Programs like the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps empower Indigenous youth through hands-on conservation efforts that connect them to their heritage while shaping their future. The Cultural Demonstration Program provides a platform for Native artists to share, sell, and celebrate both traditional and contemporary creations. And throughout the park, signage is being thoughtfully updated in collaboration with the Intertribal Working Group to reflect the authentic history of the land and its people.
Investing in Cultural Landmarks
With your support, we are redefining the Grand Canyon experience by ensuring Indigenous heritage is at the heart of our preservation efforts. At Desert View, we are helping to create the National Park Service’s first Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site—a bold reimagining of the visitor experience that centers Indigenous perspectives. Through collaboration with the federal government and the Havasupai Tribe, sacred places like Havasupai Gardens are being renamed, removing offensive language and acknowledging the forced removal of tribal communities to make way for the park’s creation.
Integrating Tribal Perspectives
In close collaboration with the Intertribal Working Group— representing 11 tribes who call Grand Canyon home—we are weaving first-voice narratives into the heart of the park’s work. From shaping meaningful cultural events like the Celebration of Art to guiding the vision of a new art venue at the South Rim, tribal voices are helping to lead the way. Through storytelling platforms like the “Grand Canyon Speaks” podcast, visitors hear directly from tribal members in their own words. Internship opportunities for Indigenous youth ensure that the next generation of storytellers, scientists, and stewards are supported and heard. And GCC’s stores work with Indigenous artists to feature authentic arts and crafts that celebrate both traditional and contemporary expression.
Protecting through Science and Research
Grand Canyon is more than a breathtaking landscape— it’s a living, evolving testament to the power of nature. But the effects of climate change are already putting its future at risk. Rising temperatures, dwindling water sources, and intensifying wildfires threaten the very essence of this natural wonder. Through groundbreaking research, cutting-edge conservation efforts, and new sustainable practices, we are taking bold action to protect this extraordinary place for generations to come.
Pioneering Climate Science
Home to five of the world’s seven life zones, an unparalleled geological record, and a vast array of biodiversity, Grand Canyon is a crucial hub for environmental research. The discoveries made here don’t just shape the canyon’s future—they contribute to a deeper understanding of climate resilience worldwide. Cutting-edge science projects like dye tracing help us learn how to best use, conserve, and protect the park’s water supply. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping allows park staff to clearly understand how and where Grand Canyon is changing, and where immediate action is required. With your support, these studies help safeguard this irreplaceable landscape against the mounting challenges of climate change.
Defending Wildlife & Habitats
From soaring condors to elusive mountain lions, Grand Canyon is a sanctuary for over 447 bird species, 91 mammals, 58 reptiles and amphibians, and thousands of insects and plant species. Our work funds critical wilderness monitoring, protects vital ecosystems, and ensures the survival of iconic species. Initiatives like reducing the size of the park’s bison herd through live capture and relocation, assisting Monarch butterfly conservation efforts through the planting of pollinator gardens; providing funding for paid internship programs in vegetation, wildlife biology, and fire effects monitoring, and sustaining native vegetation through a high-capacity, energy-efficient greenhouse.
Safeguarding Natural Resources
The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon like a living thread—shaping cliffs, nurturing life, and connecting past to present. Above, ancient stars shine in skies untouched by city lights. Around every bend, fragile plants, diverse wildlife, and echoing soundscapes remind us of nature’s delicate balance. Your support helps protect these irreplaceable wonders. From preserving dark skies for stargazers, to monitoring the Colorado River’s health, to using sound to track biodiversity—every effort is guided by care, science, and sustainability. Together, we can keep the Canyon wild, wondrous, and full of life—for today, and for generations to come.
