Supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat.

In 1937, the GCNHA was legally established as a cooperating association, a private, nonprofit organization whose mission was to support the education and preservation programs of federally protected lands.

[3] The purpose of the GCNHA was "to stimulate and encourage scientific research and investigation in the field of geology, botany, zoology, ethnology, archaeology, and related subjects in the Grand Canyon region.

The program is designed to support artists with a well-developed body of work that engages contemporary themes, especially those tied to conservation, cultural identity, and community.

Previous Artists-in-Residence have included: The Astronomer-in-Residence Program at Grand Canyon National Park began in 2021 and offers astronomers, both amateur and professional; educators, scientists, visual and performing artists, and writers, the opportunity to practice and share their discipline under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States.

Mules haul equipment and materials to work sites and often the trail crews only tools are pickaxes and shovels.

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the last places in the United States where one can experience a star-filled night sky.