National Wildlife Federation
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
National Wildlife Federation meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Complaints
Number of complaints processed by BBB WGA in the last 36 months: 1
The organization addressed the complaint issues brought to its attention: 1
(This complaint involved a donation refund request).
Stated Purpose:
"to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world."
Year, State Incorporated:
1939, DC
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is a federation of 52 state and territorial affiliates and the national organization that work to protect, restore and connect wildlife habitat; transform wildlife conversation; and connect Americans with wildlife. The organization actively restores and reconnects the fragmented and degraded habitats across protected lands, working lands, waterways, coasts, and communities. The organization also advances 21st century wildlife management by defending public trust resources and confronting stressors like climate change, invasive species, and wildlife diseases. NWF works to inspire the next generation of conservationists and mobilize a conservation army to broaden the stewardship ethic, conservation action, public and private investments, and support for policy changes necessary to save at-risk species. Some ($8,978,000 or 8%) of NWF's program activities are carried out in conjunction with fundraising appeals.
For the year ended August 31, 2023, National Wildlife Federation's program expenses were:
| Conservation programs | $45,994,000 |
| Membership and other nature programs | $30,382,000 |
| Education outreach and publications | $31,119,000 |
| Garden for Wildlife | $1,765,000 |
| Total Program Expenses | $109,260,000 |
Chief Executive
Collin O’Mara, President and Chief Executive Officer
Compensation*
$385,173
Chair of the Board
John Robbins
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Retired
Board Size
32
Paid Staff Size
414
*2021 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Radio, Special events, Telemarketing, Print advertisements
NWF incurred joint costs of $18,732,000 for informational materials and activities that included fundraising materials. Of those costs $8,978,000 was allocated to program expenses, $8,332,000 was allocated to fundraising expenses, and $1,422,000 was allocated to administrative expenses.
Fundraising costs were 10% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $95,201,000, 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 National Wildlife Federation's audited financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Other income | $1,238,000 |
| Royalties | $1,326,000 |
| In-kind contributions | $1,474,000 |
| Investment income | $7,434,000 |
| Nature education materials | $9,461,000 |
| Publications | $15,114,000 |
| Contributions from governments, foundations, and corporations | $38,192,000 |
| Contributions | $55,535,000 |
| Total Income | $129,774,000 |
Programs: 86% Fundraising: 7% Administrative: 6%
| Total Income | $129,774,000 |
| Total expenses: | $126,568,000 |
| Program expenses | $109,260,000 |
| Fundraising expenses | $9,302,000 |
| Administrative expenses | $8,006,000 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $3,206,000 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $99,824,000 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $466,000 |
| Ending Net Assets | $103,496,000 |
| Total Liabilities | $49,797,000 |
| Total Assets | $153,293,000 |
Note 1: As noted in the financial section above, “other changes in net assets” refers to pension and post-retirement related charges, including net periodic benefit costs other than services cost ($460,000) and non controlling investments ($6,000).
Note 2: According to the organization's audited financial statements – consolidated – for the year ended August 31, 2023, NWF received in-kind contributions totaling $1,474,000 in the form of legal, actuarial and other consulting services ($1,224,000), advertising services, ($195,000), and general and administrative services ($55,000).
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Review in Progress
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Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance