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.
Few organizations focused on environmental issues rank among the largest nonprofits in the United States.
According to tax filings, only a small fraction of 501(c)(3) groups with more than $200 million in revenue in the most recent fiscal year are focused primarily on issues related to wildlife, conservation, and animal welfare. Of the $1.995 trillion in revenue generated by these 2,030 nonprofits, $4.3 billion, or 0.22%, was earned by environmental groups.
Health (70%) and education (15.8%) 501(c)(3)s dominate the list of nonprofit behemoths. This is probably not surprising since health and education are two of the most immediate and tangible needs for most people. Both sectors rely primarily on earned income—fees for services and government contracts—rather than donations.
That few environmental nonprofits make the list shouldn't be too surprising. The vast majority of environmental nonprofits are small, focusing on local issues (this is true for nonprofits in general, with 92% operating with less than $1 million a year).
Additionally, many other entities besides 501(c)(3)s do conservation work: government agencies, private companies, Indigenous nations, communities, and other tax-exempt organizations. Some 501(c)(3)s focused on other areas, like health or education, may also be involved in environmental work. There are also many international environmental groups as well as U.S. nonprofits with international entities.
Of course, bigger is not necessarily better. Larger organizations are not inherently more effective than smaller ones. The argument is often made that while size can beget influence and economies of scale in some kinds of work, it can also generate inefficiencies and a lack of connection to the constituencies served.
Furthermore, 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 what does this mean for the future? With the effects of environmental degradation becoming more severe and thus relevant to more people, as well as people at the top end of the income level growing wealthier, it would not surprise me to see environmental nonprofits of all sizes receive a relative increase in their level of support in the coming years, independent of other factors.
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 / EIN | Assets | Income | Revenue | Functional expenses | Contributions & gifts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nature 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 | ||||||
| 2 | Wildlife 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 | ||||||
| 3 | San 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 | ||||||
| 4 | World 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 | ||||||
| 5 | Ducks 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 | ||||||
| 6 | Environmental 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 | ||||||
| 7 | Natural 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 | ||||||
| 8 | Conservation 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 | ||||||
| 9 | World 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 | ||||||
| 10 | National 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 | ||||||
| 11 | National 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 | ||||||
| 12 | Sierra 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 | ||||||
| 13 | Center 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 | ||||||
| 14 | Rainforest 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 | ||||||
| 15 | Missouri 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 | ||||||
| 16 | Ducks 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 | ||||||
| 17 | Oceana 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 | ||||||
| 18 | Wildlife 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 | ||||||
| 19 | International 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 | ||||||
| 20 | African 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 | ||||||
| 21 | Rewild 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 | ||||||
| 22 | Ocean 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 | ||||||
| 23 | Rainforest 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 | ||||||
| 24 | Rare 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 | ||||||
| 25 | One 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 | ||||||
| 26 | African 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 | ||||||
| 27 | Center 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 | ||||||
| 28 | Nia 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 | ||||||
| 29 | Humane 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 | ||||||
| 30 | Jane 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 | ||||||
| 31 | Panthera 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 | ||||||
| 32 | American 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 | ||||||
| 33 | Greenpeace 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 | ||||||
| 34 | Earth 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 | ||||||
| 35 | Friends 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 | ||||||
| 36 | Trees 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 | ||||||
| 37 | Forest 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 | ||||||
| 38 | Ocean 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 | ||||||
| 39 | Ecohealth 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 | ||||||
| 40 | The 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 | ||||||
| 41 | Frankfurt 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 | ||||||
| 42 | Waterkeeper 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 | ||||||
| 43 | International 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 | ||||||
| 44 | Global 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 | ||||||
| 45 | Surfrider 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 | ||||||
| 46 | Rainforest 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 | ||||||
| 47 | Wildaid 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 | ||||||
| 48 | Stand.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 | ||||||
| 49 | Only 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 | ||||||
| 50 | Sea 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 | ||||||
| 51 | Island 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 | ||||||
| 52 | Wildlife 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 | ||||||
| 53 | Pachamama 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 | ||||||
| 54 | Rights 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 | ||||||
| 55 | Environmental 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 | ||||||
| 56 | Wild 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 | ||||||
| 57 | Bat 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 | ||||||
| 58 | Xerces 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 | ||||||
| 59 | Nature 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 | ||||||
| 60 | Maliasili 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 | ||||||
| 61 | Rainforest 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 | ||||||
| 62 | Manomet 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 | ||||||
| 63 | Marine 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 | ||||||
| 64 | Conservation 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 | ||||||
| 65 | Big 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 | ||||||
| 66 | World 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 | ||||||
| 67 | Sustainable 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 | ||||||
| 68 | Mongabay 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 | ||||||
| 69 | Cheetah 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 | ||||||
| 70 | Asia 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 | ||||||
| 71 | Akashinga 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 | ||||||