About
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) describes itself as the world's leading conservation organization, with offices on six continents and in nearly 100 countries. Established in 1961, WWF has been committed to protecting nature and its resources ever since, working across the world's most critical forests, river systems, wetlands, savannas, and ocean habitats. WWF-US, incorporated in Washington, DC, was one of the first national organizations formed in 1961 and has grown to include over 1 million supporters. Its headquarters are at 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC.
Mission
WWF works to reverse nature loss and conserve biodiversity, on the understanding that nature is our planet's greatest asset, intrinsically linked to human survival. By conserving critical places and supporting sustainable livelihoods within them, WWF aims to keep the Earth in balance for people, wildlife, and the planet.
What they do
- Locally led conservation across priority places and species
- Climate work and sustainability initiatives
- Public policy, science, and business partnerships
- Wildlife conservation and high-impact philanthropy
In every place it works, WWF helps create and implement innovative solutions — scientific, technological, economic, and financial — by partnering with businesses, governments, and scientists and by collaborating with Indigenous people and local communities.
History
WWF was established in 1961, inspired by articles by Sir Julian Huxley about the destruction of habitat and wildlife in East Africa. Max Nicholson drafted the founding plan, endorsed by IUCN's executive board in the Morges Manifesto, and the giant panda was adopted as the logo. World Wildlife Fund, Inc. — the U.S. national organization — was incorporated in Washington, DC on December 1, 1961, with Ira N. Gabrielson as first president, Russell E. Train as vice president, and Dwight D. Eisenhower named President of Honor. Early milestones include helping establish the Charles Darwin Foundation Research Station in the Galapagos (1962), funding the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania (1963), and supporting the negotiation of CITES (1973).
Scale and impact
- Offices on six continents and in nearly 100 countries.
- Over 1 million supporters of WWF-US.
- In fiscal year 2024, WWF secured more than 400 million dollars in commitments and deployed 402 million dollars in program spending; conservation program and policy spending reached a record 249 million dollars, including Wildlife (32 million), Forests (26 million), and Oceans (14 million). Net assets rose 3 percent, from 623 million to 644 million dollars.
Financials
WWF reports that 84 percent of its spending is directed to worldwide conservation activities, with 12 percent for fundraising and 6 percent for finance and administration. Charity Navigator has given WWF its highest 4-star rating. According to IRS filings summarized by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, World Wildlife Fund Inc reported revenue of 366,655,209 dollars, expenses of 367,009,528 dollars, and total assets of 777,252,801 dollars for fiscal year 2025.