Friends of the National Zoo
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
In the fight to save animals and the planet, we need every smart voice and innovative solution at the table. Unfortunately, long-standing systems have put up enormous barriers to careers in wildlife conservation. To save wildlife and their habitats we must fuel a self-sustaining movement that brings a more representative and inclusive community of conservationists to the fight, today and in the future. By supporting and amplifying the work of underrepresented voices in the conservation field—such as women, people of color, Indigenous people, and those from disadvantaged communities—we will help save wildlife today, and we will inspire, educate, and uplift a more representative group of future conservationists to follow in their footsteps.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Grants
The Conservation Nation Grant Program offers direct funding to help save animals and their ecosystems around the world by building a stronger, more diverse conservation community. We believe that only by supporting each other and breaking down barriers to expand the number and diversity of conservationists in the fight will we be giving this challenge all we’ve got.
We offer two tiers of grants:
To support critical field work of established conservationists who will be role models and mentors for the breadth of diversity needed in conservation leadership;
To support emerging conservationists who have the passion and ideas the planet needs but not the privilege, access and networks that hold back so many from success.
Education
To tackle the wildlife conservation challenge it is essential that we inspire and support the next generation of conservation leaders. Every child deserves the right to know about, envision, and pursue a conservation
career—regardless of race, gender, access or income.
Immersive Conservation Programs -- Created for high school students who show a passion for saving wildlife, this program will dive deep to turn passion into possibility.
Conservation Nation Academy -- Designed to inspire as many high school students as possible to see themselves in a conservation career, these programs will be available in schools, youth groups, and out-of-school programs
Where we work
External reviews

How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Friends of the National Zoo
Board of directorsas of 05/06/2022
Nora Gardner
McKinsey & Company
Term: 2022 - 2023
Larry Hanauer
Cindy Lewin
John Mina
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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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 -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data