The Park Foundation, established in 1966, is committed to supporting education, public broadcasting, and environmental projects, among other areas of interest significant to the Park family. Following the bequest of over 70% of Mr. Park's holdings in 1993, the Foundation has focused on promoting academic excellence, leadership, and community service through scholarships at Ithaca College and North Carolina State University. It has a particular interest in public broadcasting, reflecting its origins in communications, and more recently, has honed its environmental focus on freshwater issues, specifically in the Eastern United States.
The Park Foundation's grant program aims to foster a well-informed citizenry in the U.S. by supporting public interest media, with an emphasis on investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films that explore critical environmental, political, and social issues. In the realm of environmental concern, the Foundation focuses on ensuring clean, accessible drinking water and opposing the expansion of shale gas extraction through supporting policy development, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility. The Foundation is also committed to animal welfare, particularly the humane treatment of domestic animals, the conservation of endangered wildlife, and the support of innovative models that lead to systemic changes for a more compassionate society. This includes specific focus areas such as support for endangered wildlife policies, indigenous wildlife management, and the preservation of vital species and habitats.