The biggest international conservation non-profits based in the United States

By Rhett A. Butler
June 30, 2024



Below is a look at the biggest U.S.-based NGOs whose conservation work includes a substantial international component.

Which conservation groups collected the most in donations last year?

This analysis examines financial data from U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that focus on environmental work and had over $1 million in revenue in the most recent fiscal year. Out of the 3,500+ organizations that fit this criterion, 1,500 have a strong focus on nature and wildlife conservation. Of these, 218 have significant international conservation programs.

Key Findings:
💲 Conservation groups in this analysis received $11.3 billion in contributions and $16.6B in revenue last year, with combined assets totaling $55.9B. While these figures are substantial, they are small compared to other nonprofit sectors like health and education and the for-profit sector (https://mongabay.cc/lCl0eI and https://mongabay.cc/4nDIoW). For example, Feeding America received $3.9B in contributions and gifts in 2022.

🌿 The Nature Conservancy is the largest entity in this field. Its functional expenses ($909 million) are more than three times those of the next three largest groups. The Nature Conservancy received $941M in contributions and $1.17B in revenue.

🌳 Organizations with international programs tend to be larger than those focused solely on the U.S.

🐅 Zoos have the highest median revenue, functional expenses, and contributions of any category.

Caveats:

⚠ Limited scope: This analysis covers only a fraction of relevant entities in the United States. Many organizations besides 501(c)3s engage in environmental work, including government agencies, private companies, Indigenous nations, communities, and other tax-exempt organizations. Additionally, there are numerous international environmental groups and U.S. nonprofits with international branches.

⚠ Data gaps: High-level financial data does not reveal how much funding is allocated to specific programs within NGOs. For example, it doesn’t show the proportion of an organization’s funding that goes into conservation work or international programs.

⚠ Subjectivity: Defining what constitutes a conservation group is subjective. During this analysis, it became clear that relying solely on NTEE codes is insufficient, as some organizations are misclassified or engage in activities beyond what their code suggests.

⚠ No indication of efficacy: Financial data alone does not indicate effectiveness. Bigger is not necessarily better, as I noted before: "Impact is not solely measured by revenue. Environmental nonprofits often measure success through policy changes, conservation milestones, and community engagement, which can be equally significant though less financially quantifiable."

So while this analysis provides insights into the financial landscape of conservation-focused nonprofits, it should be viewed with these limitations in mind.



CHART: The largest international conservation groups based in the U.S.

Sorted by functional expenses in the most recent fiscal year as of September 7, 2024.
501(c)3 / EINAssetsIncomeRevenueFunctional
expenses
Contributions
& gifts
1Nature Conservancy (TNC)
EIN: 530242652
$9,223,371,239 $2,675,712,450 $1,166,010,019 $908,626,330 $940,583,779
Nature Conservancy (TNC): A global environmental organization working to conserve lands and waters across more than 70 countries. HQ: Arlington, VA
2Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
EIN: 131740011
$1,249,623,944 $455,041,590 $345,503,315 $312,580,356 $178,750,407
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): A global conservation organization managing zoos in New York City and focusing on wildlife conservation across over 60 countries. HQ: Bronx, NY
3San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
EIN: 951648219
$870,891,979 $439,763,486 $392,443,880 $305,470,482 $79,195,506
San Diego Zoo: Operates a zoo and a wildlife conservation organization focused primarily in Southern California, with global conservation initiatives. HQ: San Diego, CA
4World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
EIN: 521693387
$755,426,255 $492,635,030 $372,835,343 $283,476,575 $391,898,333
World Wildlife Fund (WWF): An international organization working on wildlife conservation and environmental issues across over 100 countries. HQ: Washington, DC
5Ducks Unlimited
EIN: 135643799
$315,330,252 $354,542,065 $339,454,630 $220,439,350 $188,533,409
Ducks Unlimited: A U.S.-based organization dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation across North America. HQ: Memphis, TN
6Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
EIN: 116107128
$477,638,635 $502,744,237 $247,057,586 $216,037,687 $358,400,390
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): An international organization working on environmental advocacy and policy across multiple countries, with a primary focus on the United States. HQ: New York, NY
7Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
EIN: 132654926
$576,913,705 $555,076,417 $193,144,386 $182,068,155 $267,144,118
Natural Resources Defense Council: A U.S.-based environmental advocacy organization focused on protecting natural resources and public health in the United States. HQ: New York, NY
8Conservation International (CI)
EIN: 521497470
$617,089,038 $340,346,161 $235,131,545 $159,681,836 $155,329,730
Conservation International (CI): A global organization working to protect nature in more than 70 countries, with a focus on biodiversity and climate change. HQ: Arlington, VA
9World Resources Institute (WRI)
EIN: 521257057
$427,715,503 $306,033,375 $193,968,394 $151,998,641 $283,690,856
World Resources Institute (WRI): A global research organization focusing on sustainable development and environmental issues across over 50 countries. HQ: Washington, DC
10National Geographic Society
EIN: 530193519
$1,872,730,796 $949,969,748 $231,981,168 $141,186,606 $52,344,649
National Geographic Society: A global nonprofit focused on education and research in geography, archaeology, and natural sciences. HQ: Washington, DC
11National Audubon Society
EIN: 131624102
$574,552,686 $361,423,726 $150,045,491 $123,432,721 $117,977,588
National Audubon Society: A U.S.-based organization focused on the protection of birds and their habitats across the United States. HQ: New York, NY
12Sierra Club Foundation
EIN: 946069890
$207,976,050 $123,320,152 $87,746,859 $99,059,202 $100,459,492
Sierra Club Foundation: The charitable arm of the Sierra Club, focusing on environmental conservation and advocacy across the United States. HQ: Oakland, CA
13Center For International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
EIN: 980163602
$31,573,101 $36,912,073 $34,622,932 $46,197,202 $44,180,225
Center For International Forestry Research: A global organization (CIFOR) conducting research on forest management and policy, primarily in tropical regions. HQ: Alexandria, VA
14Rainforest Alliance
EIN: 133377893
$86,086,901 $85,962,621 $84,314,209 $43,862,107 $26,261,802
Rainforest Alliance: A global nonprofit working on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and tourism to protect forests and biodiversity. HQ: New York, NY
15Missouri Botanical Garden
EIN: 430666759
$339,030,685 $108,856,428 $58,454,514 $43,338,423 $50,201,539
Missouri Botanical Garden Board Of Trustees: Operates the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on plant conservation, education, and research. HQ: Saint Louis, MO
16Ducks Unlimited
EIN: 912009004
$- $146,643,454 $59,312,363 $37,683,898 $18,971,424
Ducks Unlimited: A U.S.-based organization dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation across North America. HQ: Memphis, TN
17Oceana
EIN: 510401308
$74,617,155 $44,502,103 $43,967,787 $35,324,557 $35,658,526
Oceana: A global organization focused on ocean conservation and policy advocacy to protect marine ecosystems and species. HQ: Washington, DC
18Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN)
EIN: 300108469
$62,726,043 $57,473,022 $52,477,979 $34,261,177 $43,955,582
Wildlife Conservation Network: A U.S.-based organization supporting conservation efforts worldwide, focusing on endangered species and their habitats. HQ: San Francisco, CA
19International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW)
EIN: 311594197
$55,037,953 $57,523,898 $35,221,602 $32,442,619 $27,823,070
International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW): A global organization focused on rescuing and protecting animals and their habitats, with operations in more than 40 countries. HQ: Washington, DC
20African Wildlife Foundation
EIN: 520781390
$44,798,224 $38,730,824 $33,734,460 $32,391,661 $31,809,676
African Wildlife Foundation: A global organization focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable development in Africa. HQ: Washington, DC
21Rewild
EIN: 262887967
$76,957,327 $53,334,340 $53,334,340 $31,810,875 $36,820,053
Rewild: A global organization working to restore and protect wildlands and reintroduce species to their native habitats. HQ: Austin, TX
22Ocean Conservancy
EIN: 237245152
$96,130,718 $60,021,404 $48,602,165 $31,550,814 $53,132,508
Ocean Conservancy: A U.S.-based organization dedicated to protecting the ocean and its wildlife through science-based advocacy, primarily in U.S. waters. HQ: Washington, DC
23Rainforest Trust
EIN: 133500609
$109,550,247 $43,530,048 $41,042,049 $29,591,742 $70,056,206
Rainforest Trust: A global organization focused on purchasing and protecting tropical rainforest lands to preserve endangered species and ecosystems. HQ: Warrenton, VA
24Rare
EIN: 237380563
$38,323,972 $26,900,252 $25,340,932 $28,280,886 $36,301,044
Rare: A global organization focused on behavior change and community-led solutions for conservation and sustainable development. HQ: Arlington, VA
25One Tree Planted
EIN: 464664562
$70,306,443 $67,048,054 $66,866,015 $27,742,062 $63,639,950
One Tree Planted: A global nonprofit focused on reforestation efforts by planting trees around the world. HQ: Shelburne, VT
26African Parks
EIN: 300241904
$87,199,935 $39,957,405 $22,376,720 $25,172,311 $16,529,571
African Parks: A global organization managing and protecting national parks and wildlife reserves across Africa. HQ: New York, NY
27Center For Biological Diversity
EIN: 273943866
$43,123,216 $33,521,350 $27,585,235 $24,977,299 $25,788,245
Center For Biological Diversity: A U.S.-based organization focused on protecting endangered species and their habitats through legal action, science, and advocacy. HQ: Tucson, AZ
28Nia Tero
EIN: 821949563
$105,816,478 $27,311,665 $21,750,393 $24,943,464 $16,795,873
Nia Tero: A global organization working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to protect their lands and cultures, with a focus on areas of high biodiversity. HQ: Seattle, WA
29Humane Society International
EIN: 521769464
$7,372,467 $31,208,577 $31,205,242 $24,340,266 $22,395,621
Humane Society International: A global organization focused on animal protection and advocacy, with efforts spanning wildlife, companion animals, and farm animals. HQ: Washington, DC
30Jane Goodall Institute
EIN: 942474731
$21,703,530 $27,898,710 $26,515,052 $20,523,587 $21,166,581
Jane Goodall Institute: A global organization focused on wildlife conservation, particularly chimpanzees, and community-centered conservation efforts in Africa. HQ: Washington, DC
31Panthera
EIN: 204668756
$16,651,413 $20,324,070 $20,252,691 $19,910,899 $19,283,640
Panthera: A global organization focused on the conservation of wild cats and their ecosystems. HQ: New York, NY
32American Bird Conservancy
EIN: 521501259
$18,892,801 $21,643,397 $21,641,790 $16,944,416 $20,226,777
American Bird Conservancy: A U.S.-based organization focused on conserving native birds and their habitats across the Americas. HQ: Marshall, VA
33Greenpeace Fund
EIN: 953313195
$52,076,074 $27,563,687 $25,106,020 $16,719,908 $34,265,559
Greenpeace Fund: The fundraising arm of Greenpeace, focused on supporting global environmental campaigns on issues like climate change, deforestation, and ocean conservation. HQ: Washington, DC
34Earth Island Institute
EIN: 942889684
$42,478,005 $34,962,347 $34,936,590 $15,668,971 $18,982,438
Earth Island Institute: A U.S.-based organization supporting environmental activism and conservation projects globally through fiscal sponsorship and partnerships. HQ: Berkeley, CA
35Friends Of The Earth
EIN: 237420660
$25,134,973 $16,816,543 $16,789,731 $12,334,826 $16,290,620
Friends Of The Earth: An international environmental organization focused on advocacy and campaigns to address environmental issues, with a significant presence in the United States. HQ: Washington, DC
36Trees For The Future
EIN: 521644869
$7,465,918 $14,114,032 $14,108,921 $11,667,289 $8,628,318
Trees For The Future: Same as above; likely a repeated entry focused on reforestation and sustainable agriculture globally. HQ: Silver Spring, MD
37Forest Trends Association
EIN: 522135531
$10,282,490 $9,907,494 $9,892,778 $11,660,895 $17,015,788
Forest Trends Association: A global organization focused on promoting sustainable forest management, conservation finance, and ecosystem services. HQ: Washington, DC
38Ocean Foundation
EIN: 710863908
$18,251,302 $15,383,455 $15,185,892 $11,541,472 $11,114,623
Ocean Foundation: A U.S.-based organization focused on supporting marine conservation and ocean health initiatives globally. HQ: Washington, DC
39Ecohealth Alliance
EIN: 311726494
$15,827,483 $18,303,274 $17,892,678 $10,794,892 $11,465,094
Ecohealth Alliance Inc: A global organization focused on research and action at the intersection of environmental health, conservation, and infectious diseases. HQ: New York, NY
40The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Usa
EIN: 300224549
$14,176,225 $22,448,376 $17,467,877 $10,602,499 $17,291,648
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA: The U.S. branch of a global organization focused on the conservation and protection of elephants and other wildlife in Kenya, including anti-poaching and rehabilitation efforts. HQ: Laguna Hills, CA
41Frankfurt Zoological Society US
EIN: 300457102
$9,050,657 $11,648,785 $11,648,785 $10,148,696 $10,079,212
Frankfurt Zoological Society Us Inc: The U.S. branch of a global organization focused on wildlife conservation, particularly in protected areas and national parks. HQ: Washington, DC
42Waterkeeper Alliance
EIN: 134071318
$9,064,151 $9,745,859 $8,822,541 $9,978,228 $11,662,266
Waterkeeper Alliance Inc: A global organization focused on protecting water resources through a network of local Waterkeeper groups advocating for clean and safe water. HQ: New York, NY
43International Crane Foundation
EIN: 391187711
$57,740,973 $12,632,162 $9,637,841 $9,820,661 $9,742,550
International Crane Foundation Inc: A global organization focused on the conservation of cranes and their habitats worldwide. HQ: Baraboo, WI
44Global Fishing Watch
EIN: 815461345
$11,921,504 $8,706,351 $8,706,351 $8,961,454 $8,458,560
Global Fishing Watch Inc: A global organization focused on promoting sustainable fisheries and transparency in fishing practices through the use of satellite technology and data analysis. HQ: Washington, DC
45Surfrider Foundation
EIN: 953941826
$20,166,105 $14,396,357 $12,280,357 $8,859,638 $10,864,126
Surfrider Foundation: A U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network and environmental campaigns. HQ: San Clemente, CA
46Rainforest Action Network
EIN: 943045180
$15,419,027 $12,914,240 $12,904,672 $8,835,459 $10,888,566
Rainforest Action Network: A U.S.-based organization focused on environmental and human rights advocacy, particularly in protecting rainforests and addressing corporate impacts on the environment. HQ: San Francisco, CA
47Wildaid Inc
EIN: 203644441
$11,429,320 $11,893,660 $11,781,025 $8,743,450 $10,958,078
Wildaid Inc: A global organization focused on reducing demand for wildlife products through public awareness campaigns and advocacy. HQ: San Francisco, CA
48Stand.Earth
EIN: 943331587
$7,183,424 $13,774,015 $13,774,015 $8,557,963 $8,513,503
Stand.Earth: An international organization focused on environmental advocacy, particularly related to climate change, deforestation, and fossil fuels. HQ: San Francisco, CA
49Only One Inc
EIN: 462746860
$1,353,948 $8,151,463 $8,105,926 $8,200,754 $9,538,419
Only One Inc: A global organization focused on ocean conservation, climate action, and storytelling to protect and restore the planet's ecosystems. HQ: New York, NY
50Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
EIN: 930792021
$9,062,569 $13,803,795 $13,803,795 $8,083,366 $11,176,176
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: An international organization focused on direct action campaigns to protect marine wildlife and ecosystems. HQ: Alexandria, VA
51Island Conservation
EIN: 911839907
$13,169,559 $12,879,686 $11,919,491 $8,069,768 $7,766,569
Island Conservation: A global organization focused on preventing extinctions by removing invasive species from islands to protect native wildlife. HQ: Santa Cruz, CA
52Wildlife Alliance
EIN: 521934148
$29,129,407 $8,814,931 $7,274,160 $7,878,512 $1,371,730
Wildlife Alliance Inc: A global organization focused on wildlife conservation and community development in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia. HQ: New York, NY
53Pachamama Alliance
EIN: 943249793
$4,163,299 $6,287,555 $6,287,555 $7,746,274 $7,920,892
Pachamama Alliance: A global organization focused on environmental conservation and supporting Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest. HQ: San Francisco, CA
54Rights And Resources Institute
EIN: 203690821
$55,447,194 $35,478,201 $30,478,082 $7,320,074 $33,554,659
Rights And Resources Institute: A global organization focused on advancing land and resource rights for Indigenous peoples and local communities in developing countries. HQ: Washington, DC
55Environmental Investigation Agency
EIN: 521654284
$6,453,146 $7,283,648 $7,283,635 $6,829,204 $6,979,158
Environmental Investigation Agency: A global organization focused on investigating and exposing environmental crimes such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and pollution. HQ: Washington, DC
56Wild Salmon Center
EIN: 943166095
$8,842,719 $8,990,773 $8,141,210 $6,780,089 $7,901,906
Wild Salmon Center: A U.S.-based organization focused on the conservation and protection of wild salmon ecosystems across the Pacific Rim. HQ: Portland, OR
57Bat Conservation International
EIN: 742553144
$36,746,196 $31,927,543 $31,927,543 $6,174,816 $6,346,433
Bat Conservation International: A U.S.-based organization dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats worldwide. HQ: Austin, TX
58Xerces Society
EIN: 510175253
$14,825,353 $8,838,878 $8,752,833 $5,666,275 $8,541,645
Xerces Society Inc: A U.S.-based organization focused on the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats, particularly pollinators such as bees and butterflies. HQ: Portland, OR
59Nature And Culture International
EIN: 330773524
$12,347,581 $9,437,093 $9,035,812 $5,555,665 $7,083,054
Nature And Culture International: A global organization focused on conserving biodiversity and ecosystems in Latin America. HQ: Del Mar, CA
60Maliasili Initiatives
EIN: 273183146
$13,729,707 $14,885,830 $14,885,830 $5,431,406 $14,513,447
Maliasili Initiatives: A global organization supporting conservation organizations and initiatives across Africa. HQ: Essex, VT
61Rainforest Foundation
EIN: 951622945
$10,319,736 $12,003,920 $11,163,366 $4,808,973 $7,083,419
Rainforest Foundation Inc: A global organization focused on supporting Indigenous peoples and forest communities in their efforts to protect rainforests, primarily in Latin America. HQ: Brooklyn, NY
62Manomet Inc
EIN: 223051362
$26,722,094 $4,894,780 $4,894,780 $4,788,562 $4,237,748
Manomet Inc: A U.S.-based organization focused on applying science and partnerships to address environmental sustainability challenges, particularly in the Northeast. HQ: Manomet, MA
63Marine Stewardship Council Limited
EIN: 912018427
$709,484 $5,383,648 $5,383,648 $4,715,778 $4,506,575
Marine Stewardship Council Limited: A global organization focused on promoting sustainable fishing practices through certification and labeling of seafood products. HQ: Tukwila, WA
64Conservation X Labs
EIN: 474066524
$4,325,104 $7,235,002 $7,235,002 $4,439,214 $4,865,765
Conservation X Labs Inc: A global organization focused on developing innovative technologies and solutions to address conservation challenges. HQ: Washington, DC
65Big Life Foundation USA
EIN: 273455389
$4,544,199 $8,495,920 $5,402,583 $4,305,771 $6,075,810
Big Life Foundation USA: A global organization focused on wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts, primarily in East Africa. HQ: Ridgefield, WA
66World Animal Protection
EIN: 42718182
$14,664,817 $13,014,282 $13,001,566 $4,305,559 $4,838,046
World Animal Protection: An international organization focused on animal welfare, advocating for the humane treatment of animals worldwide. HQ: New York, NY
67Sustainable Ocean Alliance
EIN: 824972091
$11,587,227 $12,744,319 $12,744,319 $4,015,592 $3,203,144
Sustainable Ocean Alliance Inc: A global organization focused on empowering young leaders and entrepreneurs to create solutions for ocean sustainability. HQ: San Francisco, CA
68Mongabay
EIN: 453714703
$12,247,055 $13,318,449 $10,436,834 $3,976,102 $6,779,536
Mongabayorg Corporation: A U.S.-based non-profit organization that operates Mongabay, an environmental news service focused on conservation and biodiversity issues globally. HQ: Menlo Park, CA
69Cheetah Conservation Fund
EIN: 311726923
$3,636,443 $6,410,207 $5,580,650 $3,733,405 $4,143,991
Cheetah Conservation Fund: A global organization focused on the conservation of cheetahs and their habitats, primarily in Africa. HQ: Alexandria, VA
70Asia Wild Inc
EIN: 311802788
$3,315,919 $5,242,353 $5,242,353 $3,565,491 $4,586,442
Asia Wild Inc: Likely a global organization focused on wildlife conservation in Asia, though specific details may vary depending on the exact entity. HQ: Charleston, SC
71Akashinga Inc
EIN: 320408734
$3,805,729 $5,521,955 $5,328,139 $3,168,109 $7,395,743
Akashinga Inc: A global organization focused on wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts in Africa, led by an all-female ranger team. HQ: Arlington, VA