Wilderness Society (WS) works to protect Americas public lands, the 635 million acres collectively owned by the American people and managed by the government. The organization works to preserve the wildest and most ecologically important landscapes throughout the country. WS reports that it develops, analyzes and applies the best available science to determine where and how the organization focuses its resources. Collaborating with lawmakers, land managers, local coalitions and interested citizens, the organization works to lead national policy issues on wilderness and public lands across the U.S., and to advocate for national policies that work to ensure the health and viability of the nations public lands and waters in perpetuity. Some ($1,047,876 or 5%) of WS's program activities are carried out in conjunction with fund raising appeals.
For the year ended September 30, 2015, Wilderness Society's program expenses were:
| Wilderness/Wildlands conservation |
$14,244,758 |
| Outreach/Public education |
$7,617,378 |
| Total Program Expenses: |
$21,862,136 |
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Chief Executive
Jamie Williams, President
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Compensation*
$350,471
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Chair of the Board
David Churchill
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Partner, Morrison & Foerster
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Board Size
31
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Paid Staff Size
141
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Telephone appeals, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
WS incurred joint costs of $4,229,075 for informational materials and activities that included fund raising materials. Of those costs $1,862,148 was allocated to administrative expenses, $1,318,840 was allocated to fund raising expenses, and $1,047,876 was allocated to program expenses.
Fundraising costs were 21% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $24,716,535, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Wilderness Society's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2015.
| Source of Funds |
| Individual contributions |
$16,416,336 |
| Foundation contributions |
$8,073,431 |
| Program services |
$1,228,310 |
| Other revenues |
$525,124 |
| Corporation contributions |
$226,768 |
| Investment income |
$148,260 |
| Government grants |
$107,511 |
| Gain on investments |
$95,799 |
| Change in value of beneficial interest |
($537,537) |
| Total Income |
$26,284,002 |
- Programs: 78%
- Fundraising: 19%
- Administrative: 3%
| Total Income |
$26,284,002 |
| Program expenses |
$21,862,136 |
| Fundraising expenses |
$5,297,770 |
| Administrative expenses |
$1,117,179 |
| Other expenses |
$0 |
| Total expenses: |
$28,277,085 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses |
$-1,993,083 |
| Beginning Net Assets |
$54,389,992 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
| Ending Net Assets |
$52,396,909 |
| Total Liabilities |
$6,127,438 |
| Total Assets |
$58,524,347 |
Note: As reported by the organization, WS received in-kind donations totaling $45,000 in the form of trail crew equipment.