Friends of the National Zoo

aka Conservation Nation   |   Washington, DC   |  www.conservationnation.org

Mission

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.

Ruling year info

1972

Chief Executive Officer

Lynn Mento

Main address

1717 K St NW Suite 900

Washington, DC 20006 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

52-0853312

NTEE code info

Zoo, Zoological Society (D50)

Protection of Endangered Species (D31)

Natural History, Natural Science Museums (A56)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

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Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

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

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

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.

Population(s) Served
Indigenous peoples
Multiracial people
LGBTQ people
Women and girls
Economically disadvantaged people

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

Population(s) Served
Preteens
Adolescents

Where we work

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We shared information about our current feedback practices.

  • How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?

  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

  • With whom is the organization sharing feedback?

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

Financials

Friends of the National Zoo
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Operations

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

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

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Friends of the National Zoo

Board of directors
as of 05/06/2022
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Nora Gardner

McKinsey & Company

Term: 2022 - 2023

Larry Hanauer

Cindy Lewin

John Mina

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
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 1/31/2022

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
White/Caucasian/European
Gender identity
Female, Not transgender (cisgender)
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual or Straight
Disability status
Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

 

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data