WILD Foundation

What WILD Foundation does

WILD Foundation (The WILD Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, that has worked for over 50 years to protect global wilderness and biodiversity by strengthening the relationship between people and wild nature. The organization operates a portfolio of five core programs: CoalitionWILD (youth conservation leadership across 120+ countries, supporting 1,500+ emerging leaders), Mali Elephant Landscapes (community-based defense of one of the last West African desert elephant herds, anchored on the 3.4-million-hectare Gourma Biosphere Reserve), Rainforest Lifeways (Indigenous-led protection of 187,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest with the Yawanawá community), WILD Sápmi (Sámi-led boreal forest protection in Sweden), and the World Wilderness Congress (a quadrennial global policy convening). Supporting content surfaces include the peer-reviewed International Journal of Wilderness (since 1995) and the Voices of Wilderness podcast. The organization is internally structured around two Managing Directors (Operations & Finance; Global Conservation Networks), a 9-member Board of Directors, 17 Trustees, and a staff of approximately 15-20.

The business model is donation-funded: WILD generates revenue from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors, with no program fees, products, or licensing. Disclosed revenue was $5.85M (FY2022), $6.83M (FY2023), and $5.98M (FY2024), against total functional expenses of $5.90M, $5.45M, and $6.53M respectively, indicating the most recent fiscal year ran a modest deficit. Distribution is delivered through strategic partnerships rather than a sales channel — notably the Wilderness Foundation Global family alliance (co-founded by WILD with Wilderness Foundation Africa, Wilderness Foundation UK, and the Wilderness Leadership School), the IUCN WCPA Wilderness Specialist Group (which WILD initiates and chairs), the North American Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation for Protected Areas Conservation (NAPA), Nature Needs Half, and the Global Rewilding Alliance. Donor acquisition occurs through the WILD website, email newsletter, organic social media, podcast, and corporate-giving platforms such as Benevity and One Percent for the Planet.

WILD's underlying technology is intentionally minimal: the organization does not build or sell technology products, and no proprietary AI, ML, or data platforms are disclosed. Its competitive position is anchored instead in policy and convening assets — 50+ years of institutional credibility, the world's longest-running public environmental policy platform (World Wilderness Congress, since 1976), and a documented role in initiating the World Bank Global Environmental Facility and anchoring IUCN wilderness standards. Geographic reach spans Mali, Brazil, Sweden, and a global convening footprint of delegates from 36 countries and 50+ Tribes and Indigenous Nations at the most recent WILD12 Congress (August 2024).

Name

WILD Foundation

Legal name

The WILD Foundation

Website

https://wild.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

WILD Foundation is a 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit that protects global wilderness through five programs spanning youth leadership, Indigenous-led landscape stewardship, and international policy convening, operating on a donation-only revenue model from a Boulder, Colorado headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wilderness Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC)

Keywords

• Wilderness conservation
• Biodiversity protection
• Indigenous-led conservation
• Environmental policy advocacy
• Community-based conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulder

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Primary revenue stream from individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors supporting conservation programs and organizational operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The WILD Foundation is a global conservation nonprofit that delivers community-based wilderness protection through five interconnected programs: CoalitionWILD (youth leadership development, 1,500+ leaders in 120+ countries), Mali Elephant Landscapes (3.4 million hectare Gourma Biosphere Reserve), Rainforest Lifeways (187,000 hectares of Yawanawá Amazon rainforest), WILD Sápmi (Sámi boreal forest protection), and the World Wilderness Congress (global policy forum convened every four years since 1976). The organization funds and supports these programs through donations, foundations, grants, and corporate sponsorships, and convenes Indigenous leaders, scientists, policymakers, and youth to advance international wilderness protection standards.

Product overview

WILD Foundation is a global conservation nonprofit operating as a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a single product. The organization offers five core programs: CoalitionWILD (youth leadership development), Mali Elephant Landscapes (community-based elephant conservation), Rainforest Lifeways (Indigenous Amazon protection), WILD Sápmi (Sámi boreal forest protection), and the World Wilderness Congress (global policy platform). Supporting these programs are content platforms including the International Journal of Wilderness (peer-reviewed publication) and the Voices of Wilderness podcast. The programs work together through shared networks, policy advocacy, and Indigenous leadership focus to advance the organization's mission of protecting at least Half of Earth's land and seas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CoalitionWILD: Program connecting and equipping the world's young change-makers to tackle planet's greatest conservation challenges, supporting 1,500+ youth leaders in 120+ countries.
• Mali Elephant Landscapes
• Rainforest Lifeways
• WILD Sápmi
• World Wilderness Congress
• International Journal of Wilderness

Products and services

• CoalitionWILD Youth conservation leadership development program connecting and equipping young change-makers worldwide through mentorship, capacity building, skills-based programming, and global network connections. Supports over 1,500 youth leaders in 120+ countries and includes the EXCELerator and Global Mentorship Program.
• Mali Elephant Landscapes Community-based conservation program protecting one of the last desert elephant herds in West Africa, supporting local communities and establishing the 3.4-million-hectare Gourma Biosphere Reserve. Delivered in partnership with the International Conservation Fund of Canada.
• Rainforest Lifeways Indigenous-led ecosystem protection program working with the Yawanawá community to protect 187,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest through traditional ecological knowledge, ranger training, and permaculture solutions under the community's self-determined Life Plan.
• WILD Sápmi Sámi-led initiative protecting boreal forests in Sweden's Sápmi region, strengthening Indigenous stewardship and sustainable livelihoods while defending old-growth forests from logging.
• World Wilderness Congress Global environmental policy platform convening Indigenous leaders, scientists, conservationists, and policymakers every four years since 1976/1977 to advance wilderness protection and conservation solutions worldwide. The 12th Congress (WILD12) in 2024 brought together 800+ delegates from 36 countries and 50+ Tribes and Indigenous Nations.
• International Journal of Wilderness Peer-reviewed journal (since 1995) covering wilderness research, management strategies, and international perspectives on conservation. The world's longest-running and most extensive freely available archive on international wilderness issues, produced in collaboration with academic partners.
• Voices of Wilderness Podcast Podcast series bringing together scientists, storytellers, and conservationists to explore nature, wildlife, and wilderness through down-to-earth conversations. Hosted by Jackie Batrus (Senior Communications Officer).

Quantifiable outcome

• 187,000 hectares of Amazon rainforest protected (Yawanawá territory)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wilderness Foundation GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWilderness Foundation Global (WFG) is a family alliance of independent organizations inspired by the shared legacy of Magqubu Ntombela and Dr. Ian Player. The alliance brings together the WILD Foundation, Wilderness Foundation Africa, Wilderness Foundation UK, and the Wilderness Leadership School to strengthen wilderness leadership, deepen collaboration, and support shared initiatives such as the World Wilderness Congress and Nature Needs Half. WILD co-founded WFG in 2015.
• Wilderness Foundation AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Wilderness Foundation Global family alliance. Led by Todani Moyo (Board Member of WILD Foundation and Chairman of Wilderness Foundation Africa) and Andrew Muir (Executive Director).
• Wilderness Foundation UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Wilderness Foundation Global family alliance. Led by Jo Roberts (Director, Wilderness Foundation UK).
• Yawanawá AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWILD works with the Yawanawá community and their Leadership Council (led by Chief Tashka) to implement the community's Life Plan for rainforest protection in western Amazon. WILD supports Yawanawá leadership and self-determined solutions without imposing outside ideas.
• Global Rewilding AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn expanding international network of partner organizations working to restore wild lands and seas through rewilding and ecosystem recovery. Founded in 2021 by Vance Martin, Karl Wagner, and Magnus Sylvén with support from the WILD Foundation.
• Nature Needs HalfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA global, science-based initiative and coalition advocating for the protection and interconnection of at least 50% of Earth's land and sea to sustain biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Formally launched in 2009 by the WILD Foundation at the 9th World Wilderness Congress in Mérida, Mexico. WILD continues to steward and support this network.
• NAPA Committee (North American Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation for Protected Areas Conservation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at WILD9 in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. NAPA comprises six of the largest North American land and resource management agencies, which together manage 15% of the continental landmass. WILD continues to serve as facilitator, supporting the continuity of the Committee's work.
• Wilderness Specialist Group (IUCN WCPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA global network of experts within the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) that advances the science, policy, and stewardship of wilderness worldwide. Originally initiated through collaboration between WILD and WCPA and formally recognized by IUCN in 2009. WILD provides facilitation and secretariat support.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWILD works closely with IUCN on protected area standards, conservation policy, and global environmental initiatives. WILD co-founded and chairs the Wilderness Specialist Group within IUCN WCPA and brings resolutions from the World Wilderness Congress to IUCN for global adoption.
• International Conservation Fund of CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMali Elephant Landscapes is a joint program of WILD and the International Conservation Fund of Canada.
• BenevityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate giving and volunteering platform that enables employees to donate to WILD Foundation through workplace giving programs.
• Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with WILD Foundation and Central Michigan University to publish the WILD12 Symposium Proceedings. Part of the editorial partnership for the International Journal of Wilderness.
• University of Idaho Wilderness Research CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-initiated the International Journal of Wilderness in 1995 along with WILD Foundation and Fulcrum Publishing for linking wilderness professionals, scientists, educators, and advocates worldwide.
• University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation / Wilderness InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner and sponsor supporting the International Journal of Wilderness and wilderness conservation research.
• Central Michigan University, Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner and sponsor of the International Journal of Wilderness. Robert Dvorak serves as Editor-in-Chief of IJW through this partnership.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Conservation International: Global conservation nonprofit focused on biodiversity protection, nature-based climate solutions, and partnerships with Indigenous communities. Directly comparable in mission scope and global operating geography to WILD.
• Rainforest Trust: Nonprofit dedicated to purchasing and protecting threatened rainforests, with strong overlap to WILD's Rainforest Lifeways program protecting Amazon rainforest with Indigenous partners.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: Wildlife- and habitat-focused conservation NGO operating field programs worldwide, including species-specific work such as elephants. Closely aligned with WILD's Mali Elephant Landscapes program and broader species protection mission.
• Fauna & Flora International: International conservation NGO focused on threatened species and ecosystems across the Global South. Directly comparable in mission, donor-funded model, and program-based delivery structure to WILD.
• Global Rewilding Alliance: International coalition founded with WILD support in 2021, focused on restoring wild lands and seas through rewilding. Closely aligned peer sharing leadership and coalition infrastructure with WILD.
• Wilderness Foundation Africa: Sister organization within the Wilderness Foundation Global alliance that WILD co-founded. Directly comparable mission and program model focused on wilderness leadership and protected-area advocacy.

Emerging players

• Cultural Survival: Indigenous-led nonprofit advocating for Indigenous Peoples' rights and lands. Comparable to WILD's Indigenous-led conservation model and shared focus on traditional stewardship systems.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy: One of the largest global conservation NGOs, with a broad portfolio spanning land protection, climate, water, and oceans. Operates at a far larger scale than WILD but addresses overlapping biodiversity and protected-area missions.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Globally recognized conservation organization working on wildlife, habitats, and policy. Comparable mission but vastly larger budget, donor base, and institutional footprint than WILD.

Others

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Global conservation policy and standards body that WILD works with closely (chairing the Wilderness Specialist Group). IUCN is an ecosystem partner and policy umbrella rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wildfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-wild-foundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/wildfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WILD Foundation