Yellowstone Forever was formed in 2016 after the merger of the Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Park Foundation. The Yellowstone Association (YA), established in 1933, was the park’s official nonprofit educational partner providing educational programs, exhibits, and publications for park visitors. Operations included 12 educational stores, the YA Institute, and a membership program with nearly 35,000 members. The Yellowstone Park Foundation (YPF), established in 1996, was the park’s official nonprofit philanthropic partner. YPF raised over $100 million and funded more than 325 important projects including wildlife research, cutthroat trout restoration, trail maintenance, youth education, and other initiatives.
The Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Park Foundation merged to provide greater support for Yellowstone National Park by raising money for projects that benefit the park and connecting people to Yellowstone through exceptional visitor experiences and educational programs. Yellowstone Forever’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through educational and philanthropy.