PLATINUM2024

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

aka WWF-US   |   Washington, DC   |  http://www.worldwildlife.org

Mission

The world's leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and millions globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature. WWF works to conserve the world's most important forests to sustain nature's diversity, benefit our climate, and support human well-being Safeguard healthy oceans and marine livelihoods Secure water for people and nature Protect the worlds most important species Drive sustainable food systems to conserve nature and feed humanity Create a climate-resilient and zero-carbon world, powered by renewable energy

Ruling year info

1991

Principal Officer

CARTER ROBERTS

Main address

1250 24th St NW

Washington, DC 20037-1124 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

52-1693387

Subject area info

Natural resources

Wildlife biodiversity

Population served info

Adults

NTEE code info

Natural Resource Conservation and Protection (C30)

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

We live in an age of rapid and unprecedented planetary change. Many scientists believe our consumption of the planet’s resources is driving a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. The products we consume and the supply chains behind them have myriad impacts on the world around us. Biodiversity continues to decline due in large part to factors like agriculture, land conversion and overexploitation of species. A recent assessment found that only a quarter of the land on Earth is substantively free of the impacts of human activities. Marine and freshwater ecosystems are the source of life for all humans, yet they face huge pressures including habitat modification, fragmentation, and destruction; invasive species; overfishing; pollution; disease; and climate change. Without a dramatic move beyond a “business as usual” approach, the stark decline of natural systems that support our planet’s biodiversity and modern societies will continue, and impacts on people and nature could be severe.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Field Programs

WWF works to conserve 19 of the world's most important ecosystems for the benefit of both the species and people who live there. We protect wildlife, preserve habitats and empower people to conserve resources while improving their livelihoods. We do this by partnering with governments, scientists and local communities to establish and manage protected areas, reduce threats such as poaching and habitat conversion, and influence national and local policies to improve biodiversity on the ground.

Population(s) Served
Adults

WWF partners with corporations, government agencies, NGOs, universities and research institutes to reduce the impact of the production and trade of commodities that most affect our conservation priorities. Our goal is to measurably reduce the most significant impacts of individual actors as well as entire industries.

Population(s) Served
Adults

WWF educates the American public through our Marketing and Public Relations Departments. We create and implement public relations programs, including events and earned media activities, to support WWF's mission and programs. Our Public Service announcements educate the mass market about our mission through print and broadcast media and we design and distribute communication materials to educate our supporters on overall mission, core programs, and results.

Population(s) Served
Adults

This fund supports doctoral research on marine-protected areas (MPAs) that will enhance scientific understanding of their ecological and social impacts and that will strengthen science-based conservation and policy in fund-identified U.S. priority marine regions. Fellowships include $140,000 to cover a stipend and research expenses of up to two years, as well as networking opportunities with other fund fellows, scientists, and employees; in addition, up to $17,500 will be granted to cover indirect costs at the host institution over the two-year fellowship period. Eligible applicants must: have earned their doctoral degree; identified a scientist at an academic or research institution who will serve as co-sponsor; and propose research in the overall topic of evaluating the impact of marine-protected areas (MPAs) that have direct implications for conservation in a fund-identified U.S. priority place

Population(s) Served

This program supports doctoral research on marine protected areas (MPAs) that will enhance scientific understanding of their ecological and social impacts, and that will strengthen science-based conservation and policy in fund-identified U.S. priority marine regions. Fellows receive either a $15,000 or $20,000 allocation over a period of up to two years to cover research expenses, opportunities to link doctoral research to the fund's global conservation efforts, and networking opportunities with other fellows, scientists, and fund employees. Eligible applicants must: be currently enrolled in an academic program leading to a doctoral degree in a conservation-related field and must have completed at least one year of course work; have at least two years of work experience in conservation; and propose research in the overall topic of evaluating the impacts of marine-protected areas (MPAs) that has direct implications for conservation in a fund-identified marine priority place

Population(s) Served

Fellowships are available to support the academic training of conservations in selected countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in a wide variety of disciplines, so that they may gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage natural resources in complex contents. Fellows receive: financial support for education-related costs for a period of up to two years (study can be at the master's or doctoral level and can take place anywhere in the world); financial support for tuition, books, travel (to and from training institutions), and room and board for their academic programs for up to two years; costs for field research when required by the academic institution; networking opportunities to meet with other grantees, alumni, and fund staff through periodic regional gatherings; and ongoing professional development support. Eligible candidates must be a citizen or legal resident of a participating country (Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, and Surinam), have a minimum of two years' work experience in conservation, and be enrolled, admitted, or have applied to an institution of higher education. Generally, funding of up to $20,000 is provided, with more funding given in exceptional circumstances.

Population(s) Served

Funding, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, is available to provide support for mid-career conservationists to pursue short-term, non-degree training to upgrade their knowledge and skills through short courses, workshops, conferences, and study tours, or through practical training such as internships and professional attachments. Funds support all training-related costs, including registration fees and tuition, meals and accomodations, books and materials, international travel, and local transportation. Eligible participants must: be citizens or legal residents of an eligible country (Cambodia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador [Galapagos Islands only], Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Solomon Islands, Surinam, Tanzania, and Vietnam); have at least three years of work experience, paid or unpaid, in conservation or a related field; have his/her current work and proposed training advancing conservation in an eligible country (mentioned above); and be currently working in a conservation-related field and have promise of continued employment at the completion of the proposed training from the employer

Population(s) Served

These grants support non-governmental organizations, community groups, government agencies, and educational institutions in providing training and capacity-building activities that will help advance conservation. Eligible organizations must have an established presence in an eligible country (Belize, Bolivia, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Laos, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Solomon Islands, Surinam, Tanzania, and Vietnam); priority will be given to local and regional organizations, especially those working in fund-identified priority ecoregions. Grants are intended to cover travel expenses, meals and accommodations, room rentals, materials, and other related costs; administrative costs should be no more than 15 percent of the requested amount. Typical grants range from $1,500 to $7,500

Population(s) Served

Grants of up to $3,500 are available to support former Russell E. Train fellows or scholars in their continued professional development. Funds may be used to present a paper at a conference, attend a workshop or short-term training course offered by a university or other institution, or to conduct research within a fund-identified priority place

Population(s) Served

These scholarships provide financial assistance to conservationists from Nepal who wish to pursue a master's degree in a conservation-related field

Population(s) Served

Each year, the fund offers a scholarship that encourages bright and promising Nepali students from ethnic, indigenous, minority, or Dalit groups to continue or pursue careers in nature conservation

Population(s) Served

This scholarship provides financial assistance to a deserving woman candidate who intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in forestry studies at the Institute of Forestry (IOF) - Hetauda Campus

Population(s) Served

This scholarship supports and encourages bright and promising students from Nepal's rural mountain areas to pursue careers in nature conservation by supporting a student who has completed ten years of compulsory education and would like to pursue a Technical Certificate Level (TCL) in Forestry at the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus

Population(s) Served

This scholarship fund will assist students who wish to pursue careers in conservation. Eligible applicants are those who have completed ten years of compulsory education and would like to pursue a Technical Certificate Level (TCL) in Forestry at the Institute of Forestry (IOF), Hetauda Campus

Population(s) Served

Scholarships and fellowship grants to individuals in the field of conservation science

Population(s) Served

Where we work

  • Africa

  • Asia

  • Europe

  • Nepal

  • North America

  • South America

  • United States

External assessments

Evaluated via the Impact Genome Project (2019)

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Percent of spending directed to worldwide conservation

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

In FY 2023, 85% of WWF spending was directed to worldwide conservation.

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

WWF’s vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. Our mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

We focus on six major goals in the areas of Climate, Freshwater, Forests, Oceans, Wildlife, and Food. We also seek to address three key drivers of environmental degradation: markets, finance, and poor governance. Together, these efforts propel coordinated approaches toward meeting our goals:

1. Climate: Ensure a climate-resilient and zero carbon world, powered by renewable energy.
2. Freshwater: Ensure the health of the world’s major basins is improving or maintained.
3. Forests: Conserve the world’s more important forests to sustain nature’s diversity, benefit our climate, and support human well-being.
4. Oceans: Ensure a resilient ocean sustains marine life and functioning ecosystems that support rich biodiversity, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Wildlife: Ensure the world’s most iconic species—including tigers, rhinos, and elephants—
are secured and recovering in the wild.
6. Food: Drive sustainable food systems to conserve nature and feed humanity.

By compounding the efforts in all six goal areas and working in partnership with foundations, governments, businesses, communities, individuals, and our more than six million supporters, WWF can conserve many of the world's most ecologically important regions. To accomplish this, WWF aims to:

-protect and restore species and their habitats,
-co-design conservation efforts with local communities and support them in leading these efforts,
-transform markets and policies to reduce the impact of the production and consumption of commodities,
-ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decisions made by individuals, communities, governments, and businesses,
-mobilize hundreds of millions of people to support conservation.

Current international commitments to protect nature do not match the scale of the threats our planet is facing. In 2021, world leaders came together to set new goals for the Paris Climate Accord. And in 2022, they agreed to a new Global Biodiversity Framework within the UN Convention of Biological Diversity. WWF actively participated in both the climate and biodiversity summits, urging nations to move swiftly to put us on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, and to halt and reverse nature loss by the end of this decade. WWF is now working with governments, companies, and other actors to help ensure the successful implementation of these agreements.

Revenue vs. expenses:  breakdown

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info
NET GAIN/LOSS:    in 
Note: When component data are not available, the graph displays the total Revenue and/or Expense values.

Liquidity in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

3.43

Average of 2.41 over 10 years

Months of cash in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

7.2

Average of 4.8 over 10 years

Fringe rate in 2024 info

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

41%

Average of 39% over 10 years

Funding sources info

Source: IRS Form 990

Assets & liabilities info

Source: IRS Form 990

Financial data

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

Fiscal year ending: cloud_download Download Data

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jul 01 - Jun 30

SOURCE: IRS Form 990 info

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: cloud_download Download Data

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents
Letter of Determination is not available for this organization
Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Number of employees

Source: IRS Form 990

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation
Other
Related
Show data for fiscal year
Compensation data
Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Highest paid employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation
Other
Related
Show data for fiscal year
Compensation data
Download up to 5 most recent years of highest paid employee data for this organization

World Wildlife Fund, Inc.

Board of directors
as of 12/16/2024
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board of directors data
Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization

Amanda Paulson DIRECTOR

Carolina Schmidt DIRECTOR

Carter Roberts PRESIDENT & CEO

Christopher B Field DIRECTOR

Clara Lee Pratte DIRECTOR

Elizabeth L Littlefield TREASURER

Gerald Butts DIRECTOR

Iris Mwanza DIRECTOR

Jared M Diamond DIRECTOR

Jeffrey Ubben DIRECTOR

Kathleen McLaughlin DIRECTOR

Lauren Tyler DIRECTOR

Lawrence H Linden DIRECTOR

Luis Alberto Moreno DIRECTOR

Matthew Harris DIRECTOR

Robert Litterman VICE CHAIRMAN

Roger W Sant DIRECTOR

Ruth Defries DIRECTOR

Sanjeev Mehra CO-CHAIR

Shelly Lazarus SECRETARY

Toddi Steelman DIRECTOR

Urs Hoelzle DIRECTOR

Uzodinma Iweala DIRECTOR

Vincent Perez DIRECTOR

Virginia Busch DIRECTOR

Yolanda Kakabadse CO-CHAIR

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? yes

Organizational demographics

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Transgender Identity

Sexual orientation

Disability