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FAQ
Find answers to common questions about our parks, initiatives, and ways to get involved in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks? Our FAQ page provides helpful answers about our mission, programs, donations, memberships, volunteer opportunities, and how we support the preservation of Southeast Utah’s national parks and monuments. Get the information you need to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Is FOACP a nonprofit organization?
Is FOACP a nonprofit organization?
Yes, Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and an official philanthropic partner of the National Park Service. All donations are tax-deductible, regardless of whether you donate monthly, annually, or make a one-time donation.
Is FOACP part of the National Park Service?
Is FOACP part of the National Park Service?
No, we are two different organizations. As their partner, we help them fulfill their mission more effectively. Their mission is as follows: The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
FOACP assists the National Park Service by supporting initiatives they need to maintain the conservation and preservation of the Southeast Utah national parks. Our efforts help fill the gap left by limited federal government funding.
What is FOACP’s mission?
What is FOACP’s mission?
Our mission is to inspire people to love and preserve our southeastern Utah national parks and monuments.
Does the FOACP only support the Southeast Utah federal parks?
Does the FOACP only support the Southeast Utah federal parks?
Yes, the partnerships we create only support Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park (including all four of its districts: Island in the Sky, Maze, Needles, and Horseshoe Canyon), Natural Bridges National Monument, and Hovenweep National Monument. View our Form 990 tax document. We consider the parks and monuments we support to be some of the coolest places in Utah to visit.
Does FOACP drive tourism?
Does FOACP drive tourism?
While we would love for everyone to visit these unparalleled places, we do not engage in tourism or visitation marketing. In fact, many of the projects we fund have to do with easing the challenges that increased visitation creates.
What happened to your logo that had Bates Wilson on it?
What happened to your logo that had Bates Wilson on it?
Bates, known as the Father of Canyonlands, is still very much a part of our organization and history. We chose to update our logo to be more clear on what we do. The image of a man in a cowboy hat confused some of our supporters, so we wanted to come into better alignment. We still operate with Bates’ values at our core: connection, exploration, collaboration, and stewardship. You can learn more about Bates on our website.
About Our Work
Why do these national parks need donations? Don’t my taxes and entry fees already fund them?
Why do these national parks need donations? Don’t my taxes and entry fees already fund them?
In 2024, less than 1/16th of 1% of the congressional budget was allocated for the entire National Park Service. This is then spread between over 400 park units managed by the National Park Service. Parks also keep 80% of the entrance fees and other fees collected in their park (the other 20% goes into a pool so larger parks can help support smaller units). Simply put, the parks are perpetually underfunded, especially given the immense increase in visitation in the recent decade. Philanthropy and fundraising have always been critical to the success of the national parks. In fact, some parks wouldn’t even exist as we know them without the generosity of donors.
What types of projects do you do for the parks? How do you choose which initiatives you do for the parks?
What types of projects do you do for the parks? How do you choose which initiatives you do for the parks?
FOACP meets regularly with National Park Service leadership to discuss park needs. We prioritize projects by assessing how critical they are, how likely we will be able to fundraise for them, and if we can complete them more efficiently and cost-effectively than the federal government.
How You Can Partner With Us
Why should I support the Friends of Arches and Canyonland Parks?
Why should I support the Friends of Arches and Canyonland Parks?
In short, if you want to see these parks thrive and more successfully address the variety of challenges they face, we are the solution. Many times, because of federal law and other red tape (in addition to lack of funding), the parks cannot create solutions to their issues. We can operate without the red tape to provide faster and less expensive solutions for a variety of issues. Securing Maze water rights is one example of how our work makes a difference for these parks. Friends prides itself on operating efficiently and maximizing donor contributions.
How can I help support the parks?
How can I help support the parks?
The most effective way is through financial support by making a donation. There are a number of ways to give that you may not have thought of. There are also volunteer opportunities.
Can local businesses and organizations partner with FOACP?
Can local businesses and organizations partner with FOACP?
Absolutely! Check out our business members page or consider becoming a participating member of our benefits program. We’re eager to explore other ways to partner, too. Please email info@foacp.org
Can I volunteer with FOACP?
Can I volunteer with FOACP?
At this time, we support the National Park Service’s efforts to run volunteer programs. We occasionally have volunteer opportunities, so it’s best to email info@foacp.org to let us know that you’re interested, and we will put you on the list to contact when opportunities come available.
Where can I get information about visiting the park, such as whether I need a park pass, entrance fees, parking options, which parks are best for kids & youth, and accessibility for people with disabilities?
Where can I get information about visiting the park, such as whether I need a park pass, entrance fees, parking options, which parks are best for kids & youth, and accessibility for people with disabilities?
Visit the National Park Service website for information on visiting Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep.
How can I find information to plan my trip, such as places to go, stargazing opportunities, campgrounds, and weather conditions?
How can I find information to plan my trip, such as places to go, stargazing opportunities, campgrounds, and weather conditions?
Visit the National Park Service website for planning guides for Arches, Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, and Hovenweep.