Wild Animal Initiative
Funds and conducts research on how to improve the lives of wild animals.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Animal Charity Evaluators, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Wild Animal Initiative a good charity?
Wild Animal Initiative is an Animal Charity Evaluators Recommended Charity — one of the groups ACE expects to do the most good for animals per dollar. Charity Navigator also scores it 96%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $7.0M in revenue, up 871% from $717K in 2019, and $4.4M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From Wild Animal Initiative's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Wild Animal Initiative Inc).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $7.0M | $4.4M | $7.5M | $89K | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $1.8M | $1.8M | $4.9M | $0 | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $5.1M | $514K | $5.1M | $0 | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $606K | $529K | $497K | $0 | |
| 2019 | $717K | $342K | $420K | $0 | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 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 animal welfare do
Animal welfare organizations operate through a combination of direct sheltering, advocacy, undercover investigations, legislative campaigns, and corporate engagement. Most rely on a coalition of staff veterinarians, field investigators, attorneys, and volunteers. Funding typically supports veterinary care, facility costs, spay-and-neuter programs, lobbying for stronger animal protection laws, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing demand for products of cruelty.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating animal welfare charities, look beyond shelter intake numbers. Strong organizations track outcomes — adoptions, returns-to-owner, transfers to partner rescues, and live-release rates — rather than just "animals helped." For advocacy-focused groups, ask about concrete policy wins or corporate commitments secured in the last two years. Animal Charity Evaluators is the most rigorous third-party evaluator for animal-focused giving.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Set up a recurring monthly donation — predictable revenue is more useful than lump sums
- + Volunteer at a local shelter or affiliate (most need help with adoption events, transport, and fostering)
- + Foster animals during high-intake periods like summer kitten season
- + Donate supplies, blankets, or unused pet food directly to local shelters
- + Advocate for policy changes by contacting your state representatives
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Wild Animal Initiative:
Frequently asked
Is Wild Animal Initiative a good charity?
What is Wild Animal Initiative's Charity Navigator rating?
What is Wild Animal Initiative's EIN?
How much money does Wild Animal Initiative raise and spend?
Are donations to Wild Animal Initiative tax-deductible?
Represent Wild Animal Initiative? Add a free, self-updating rating badge to your website →