About us

Who We Are

What does a scientist look like to you?
When asked to draw a scientist, only 25 percent of 16-year-old girls draw a woman.

 

Conservation has an inclusion problem. The current structure of the profession makes it harder for people of color, Indigenous peoples, and women to get involved.
But we need diversity and inclusion to drive innovation. The earth is experiencing a biodiversity crisis, and we need to change now to save it.
Our work brings more people to the table, nurtures the diversity of the field, and drives novel thinking. The survival of thousands of species — including our own — hangs in the balance.

Our Vision

A thriving planet for people and wildlife sustained by an inclusive and growing network of conservationists.

Our Mission

To diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities while educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Our Work is Making an Impact

When a student, Ashley, was asked to draw a scientist at the end of a Conservation Nation education program, she drew herself – right down to her sneakers.

colored pencil drawing of a Black woman wearing a dark top and blue pants with text written underneath

Our Why

01
inclusion and diversity
02
innovation and more solutions
03
Greater likelihood of solving biodiversity challenges
04
Safer and healthier planet

Our Approach

We are uniquely positioned to support conservationists from underrepresented communities by working with them throughout their development — from excited youth to experienced professionals. Our promotion of equity and inclusion in the conservation space will lead to a safer and healthier planet for all.

 

How We're Making an Impact

This is amazing, thank you so much. … We were really desperate, really hoping to get some funds. Otherwise … we’d have to tell the people we would have to stop until we received funding.
Giovanna Bonadona Conservation Nation Grant Recipient
Coming from an organization that has been driving inclusion for 35 years, Conservation Nation gives funders the rare opportunity to put their collective money where their mouths have been.
Michael Sutton Executive Director | Goldman Environmental Foundation
The grant will change my life, my career and also the lives of the community that I am currently based in.
Yudmila Chunguane Conservation Nation Grant Recipient
large tusked elephant facing camera with green foliage in the background

Our History

Conservation Nation launched with a mission to diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.

Our passionate team brings more than six decades of nonprofit management, wildlife conservation support, and environmental education programming experience.
Learn more about where we came from and the journey that brought us here.