Friends of Wind Cave National Park (FWC) is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote Wind Cave National Park as a natural and cultural treasure. In addition, it will strive to expand the awareness of the unique value of Wind Cave National Park to the Black Hills Community and the nation.

    Friends groups exist across the United States as citizen based advocates for individual national parks. Friends groups are contractual partnerships enabling effective stewardship of these parks.

    National Parks are restricted by various statutes and laws in advocating for their individual park needs. For instance, there are limits prohibiting advertising and parks cannot solicit direct donations. National Park budgets are established by the US government and typically cover only basic operating expenses. One computation showed that the portion of individual tax dollars expended on National Parks equates to 1/13 of one cent per tax dollar. That means $130 of tax receipts into the federal treasury provide only ONE DIME of funding channeled back to our parks!

    Friends groups can provide community based fundraising for various projects to enhance the local park's interpretative programs or to maintain or install new infrastructure ranging from trails to buildings. Friends groups can receive and administer your ear-marked donation for specific projects.

    Friends of Wind Cave National Park was incorporated as a non-profit organization by the state of South Dakota in the summer of 2011. Federal tax exempt 501-C-3 non-profit status was attained in 2012.

    Friends of Wind Cave National Park values your participation, your enthusiasm and generous financial support in helping Wind Cave National Park be one of the true jewels of the National Park system and our national heritage. Please review the other tabs to learn more.

Chuck Wagon