A Financier Commits $100-Million to Help Preserve New York’s Central Park

How much: $100-million pledge

Who got it: The Central Park Conservancy, in New York

Who gave it: The financier John Paulson

Connection to the organization: Mr. Paulson is a board member and a longtime donor.

Where the money will go: Half of it will bolster the conservancy’s endowment, which is $144-million. The other half will be used for capital projects, such as restoring playgrounds and renovating 130 acres of woodlands.

How the gift came about: Douglas Blonsky, chief executive of the Central Park Conservancy, says Mr. Paulson told the organization several years ago he wanted to make a more significant contribution. During one meeting, Mr. Blonsky discussed the group’s work in maintaining the North Woods, an area of the park that is seldom visited. After Mr. Paulson said he wanted to see the woods, Mr. Blonsky picked him up the next day at 6 a.m. for a 30-minute hike. The trip lasted 90 minutes because Mr. Paulson said he wanted to watch the conservancy’s staff work on the trails. Mr. Paulson then came up with a figure for his gift based on the organization’s needs.

Why the donor gave: Mr. Paulson says he made the gift because the park provides a benefit to everyone who visits. Central Park, he says, is “one of the most democratic institutions. It’s used by people of all ages, races, nationalities, and income levels.”