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Environment & Wildlife

The Nature Conservancy

Protects ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Donate at nature.org ♡ Save to list
Founded 1951 75 years of work
Focus Global
Rating 96/100 Charity Navigator

A score of 96 out of 100 from Charity Navigator places The Nature Conservancy among the most accountable, transparent, and operationally sound nonprofits in the United States.

What this charity does

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.

Why it matters

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.

Common programs in this space

The Nature Conservancy works within environment & wildlife. These are the kinds of programs typically run in this space — visit their site for current specifics.

  • ✓ Land and marine habitat acquisition and protection
  • ✓ Scientific monitoring of endangered species and biodiversity
  • ✓ Climate-change advocacy and renewable-energy policy work
  • ✓ Legal challenges to projects that threaten protected ecosystems
  • ✓ Partnerships with Indigenous and local communities living in biodiversity hotspots

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 The Nature Conservancy:

IRS Tax Exempt Search Confirm 501(c)(3) status ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer Read Form 990 filings Charity Navigator profile Ratings methodology nature.org Annual reports and updates

Frequently asked

Is The Nature Conservancy a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
The Nature Conservancy operates as a registered nonprofit organization. You can verify their current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. We recommend confirming directly on the IRS website before making any large donation.
What percentage of donations to The Nature Conservancy goes to programs?
Program-expense ratios change year to year and are published in The Nature Conservancy's annual Form 990 filing. You can read the most recent filings on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer or Candid (formerly GuideStar). Charity Navigator has rated The Nature Conservancy at 96/100, reflecting its overall financial health and accountability.
How does The Nature Conservancy measure its impact?
The Nature Conservancy publishes impact reporting through its annual report, program-specific updates on its website, and the rating analysis from Charity Navigator. 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.
What's the most effective way to donate to The Nature Conservancy?
Most charities — including The Nature Conservancy — get the most use out of unrestricted, recurring monthly donations. Recurring gifts let the organization plan staffing and program commitments. You can also donate appreciated stock to avoid capital-gains tax, leave a planned gift in your will, or take advantage of employer-matching programs.
How can I support The Nature Conservancy without donating money?
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 Visit the official website at nature.org for current volunteer and advocacy opportunities.

More in Environment & Wildlife

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) 92/100 Rainforest Alliance 91/100 Ocean Conservancy 94/100 Conservation International 92/100