The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes announced Thursday that it has received a $100,000 grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) “to support its capacity building efforts.” Per a press release, the grant “represents the latest step in the Friends’ strategic growth, following the 2024 hiring of its first Executive Director, Laura Ann Johnson.”

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a nonprofit organization that assists the National Park Service “in managing and developing the natural and historic resources of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.” During the recent federal government shutdown, for instance, the Friends group played a key role in minimizing disruptions at the park for visitors.

With this new grant, Friends of Sleeping Bear will be able “to invest in essential infrastructure, staffing, and expert counsel, key elements in building a sustainable philanthropic program and advancing the organization’s mission.” Specifically, the press release says these changes and growth areas will help lay the groundwork “for bold, high-impact projects” within the National Lakeshore, to “elevate the visitor experience and promote long-term stewardship.”

 “It is an honor to be selected by the NPF for this critical capacity-building grant,” Johnson said in the press release. “Over the past year, we’ve made meaningful progress toward expanding our support for the National Lakeshore, and we are honored that through this grant, the NPF affirms that work and demonstrates its commitment to our strategic vision.”