Defenders of Wildlife
Protects imperiled species and their habitats through science, law and advocacy.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 13, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Defenders of Wildlife a good charity?
Defenders of Wildlife holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 94%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $35.9M in revenue, up 7% from $33.4M in 2019, and $37.5M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 13, 2026.
Finances
From Defenders of Wildlife's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Defenders Of Wildlife).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $35.9M | $37.5M | $45.8M | $2.9M | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $42.8M | $38.0M | $43.4M | $3.0M | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $43.2M | $39.7M | $45.1M | $2.5M | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $34.5M | $34.4M | $41.1M | $2.4M | 990 PDF |
| 2019 | $33.4M | $32.8M | $39.9M | $2.1M | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2025 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2025 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in environment & wildlife do
Environmental and wildlife organizations operate across a spectrum: from direct habitat acquisition and species protection to scientific research, litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The most effective combine on-the-ground conservation work with policy influence — protecting an ecosystem requires both buying the land AND defending it from political and economic pressures. Funding supports field staff, research, legal challenges, community partnerships in biodiversity hotspots, and public-awareness campaigns.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Become a recurring member — most environmental groups rely heavily on membership dues
- + Make a planned gift in your will or trust (environmental charities depend on legacy giving)
- + Volunteer for citizen-science projects: bird counts, water-quality monitoring, beach cleanups
- + Reduce your own footprint — flying less and eating less beef has more impact than most one-time gifts
- + Vote and advocate for environmental policy at local, state, and federal levels
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Defenders of Wildlife:
Frequently asked
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