The largest international conservation groups 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.

But first, a few caveats:

  • This list includes only US non-profit entities, so it doesn’t necessarily represent the full scope of an organization’s work. For example, WWF and Greenpeace have several entities registered outside the U.S., which are not included in this analysis. This data is based entirely on 990 filings.
  • Some organizations have multiple entities within the US. For example, Audubon has at least 6 entities that had budgets exceeding $5 million in 2023. The Sierra Club has separate 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.
  • The ranking is based on annual expenses for the most recent fiscal year. Revenue can be “lumpy” due to the nature of nonprofit accounting. For example, the full value of a multi-year grant is typically booked in the first year, even though the money for subsequent years may not have arrived yet and may be conditional.
  • While some zoos have significant conservation projects, the only ones included on this list are the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which runs the Bronx Zoo among other institutions, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
  • The inclusion or exclusion of specific groups, insofar as whether they can be deemed conservation groups, is certainly open to debate.
Without further ado, here’s the list. All figures in millions of US dollars.



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

Sorted by revenue 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
2San 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
3World 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
4Wildlife 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
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
7Conservation 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
8National 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
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
10Natural 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
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
13Rainforest 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
14One 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
15Ducks 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
16Missouri 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
17Rewild
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
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
19Ocean 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
20Oceana
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
21Rainforest 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
22International 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
23Earth 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
24Center 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
25African 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
26Bat 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
27Humane 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
28Rights 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
29Center 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
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
31Rare
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
32Greenpeace 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
33African 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
34Nia 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
35American 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
36Panthera
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
37Ecohealth 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
38The 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
39Friends 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
40Ocean 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
41Maliasili 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
42Trees 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
43Sea 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
44Stand.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
45World 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
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
47Sustainable 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
48Surfrider 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
49Island 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
50Wildaid 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
51Frankfurt 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
52Rainforest 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
53Space For Giants USA
EIN:471805681
$345,863$10,606,304$10,606,304$543,416$810,845
Space For Giants USA Inc: The U.S. branch of a global organization focused on protecting elephants and their habitats across Africa. HQ:New York,NY
54Mongabay
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
55Forest 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
56International 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
57Nature 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
58Waterkeeper 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
59Xerces 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
60Global 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
61Revive & Restore
EIN:814576399
$15,553,754$21,316,705$8,154,175$3,094,093$5,855,313
Revive & Restore: A global organization focused on using biotechnology to enhance conservation efforts, including the restoration of extinct and endangered species. HQ:Sausalito,CA
62Wild 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
63Only 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
64Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund
EIN:943280315
$21,296,479$10,187,720$8,090,494$2,980,342$1,943,861
Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund: A global organization focused on conserving the dry forest ecosystems in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. HQ:Huntington,VT
65IUCN - US
EIN:521443147
$6,569,658$8,049,687$8,049,687$684,186$1,718,732
Inter Union For Conservation Of Nature & Natural Resources Utd St (IUCN U.S.): The U.S. branch of a global organization focused on conserving nature and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources worldwide. HQ:Washington,DC
66Mamoni Valley Preserve
EIN:270514499
$8,909,089$7,746,384$7,746,384$233,757$375,678
Mamoni Valley Preserve: A global organization focused on rainforest conservation and sustainable development in the Mamoni Valley of Panama. HQ:Incline Village,NV
67Environmental 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
68Wildlife 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
69Conservation 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
70Amazon Frontlines
EIN:475521013
$6,224,966$7,035,558$7,035,558$2,450,724$1,979,904
Amazon Frontlines: A global organization focused on supporting Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest to protect their lands, rights, and biodiversity. HQ:San Francisco,CA
71Global Forest Generation
EIN:831150620
$5,069,603$6,992,522$6,292,111$1,600,349$2,101,255
Global Forest Generation Inc: A global organization focused on reforestation and forest restoration efforts, particularly in biodiverse and climate-critical regions. HQ:North Hero,VT
72Pachamama 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
73Friends Of The Osa
EIN:810621147
$16,256,683$5,710,921$5,710,921$2,279,443$2,175,051
Friends Of The Osa: A global organization focused on conserving the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. HQ:Washington,DC
74Cheetah 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
75Pacific Environment And Resources Center
EIN:942628924
$12,976,596$5,520,811$5,520,811$1,519,702$2,820,147
Pacific Environment And Resources Center: A global organization focused on protecting the living environment of the Pacific Rim through community-based conservation and advocacy. HQ:San Francisco,CA
76Big 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
77Marine 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
78One Earth Philanthropy
EIN:852588841
$4,706,240$5,345,643$5,345,643$2,240,129$5,819,840
One Earth Philanthropy: A global organization focused on addressing climate change and biodiversity loss through funding and supporting innovative conservation solutions. HQ:Culver City,CA
79Akashinga 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