Building a Stronger Future Together With National Park Foundation Lift Team Initiative

This June, Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) and Colorado National Monument welcomed a National Park Foundation Lift Team to western Colorado as part of a national initiative designed to strengthen relationships between parks and their nonprofit partners.

The Lift Team program brings together experienced National Park Service professionals, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic experts to help parks and partner organizations identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Through a series of conversations, workshops, and strategic planning sessions, the team worked with CNMA and monument staff to explore ways we can deepen our partnership and expand our collective impact. This engagement represented a $30,000 in-kind donation from the National Park Foundation.

For CNMA, the experience was both energizing and affirming.

Throughout the engagement, one theme emerged again and again: Colorado National Monument is supported by an extraordinary community that cares deeply about its future. From dedicated volunteers and donors to park staff, partners, and visitors, there is tremendous momentum behind the work being done to preserve, protect, and share this remarkable landscape.

The Lift Team process challenged us to think bigger about what is possible. Together, we explored opportunities to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand community engagement, increase philanthropic support, and ensure CNMA is positioned to meet the monument’s evolving needs for years to come.

The visit also reinforced something we have long believed: the most successful partnerships are rooted in a shared vision. CNMA and Colorado National Monument are united in our commitment to supporting educational programs, scientific research, visitor experiences, and stewardship initiatives that help connect people to this special place.

As we move forward, the insights gained through the Lift Team initiative will help guide our next chapter of growth and impact. We are grateful to the National Park Foundation for investing in organizations like CNMA and for recognizing the important role nonprofit partners play in supporting America’s national parks.

Most importantly, we are grateful to our supporters. Every membership, donation, volunteer hour, and act of advocacy helps make this work possible.

The future of Colorado National Monument is bright, and we are excited to continue building it together.

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Our sincere gratitude to National Park Foundation for this incredible opportunity.