Male wolf in profile view.
Mel Cunningham/USFS

WILDLIFE NEEDS MORE THAN PROTECTION.
THEY NEED CHAMPIONS.

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund builds public and policy support for strong wildlife protections. We mobilize advocates, advance conservation policies and hold elected leaders accountable so wildlife has a powerful voice in the decisions that shape its future.

Why the Action Fund Exists

Protecting wildlife requires more than good policy — it requires an informed and engaged public willing to stand up for our natural heritage. The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund exists to build that support, mobilize advocates and help empower leaders who will champion wildlife and habitat conservation, creating a future where people and nature thrive together.

Andrew Bowman

President and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

About the Action Fund

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund works to ensure wildlife has a strong voice in the decisions that shape its future. We educate and engage the public about the importance of protecting and recovering wildlife and habitat, advocate for strong federal and state wildlife policies, mobilize people to take action, hold elected officials accountable and call on leaders to stand up for wildlife and the places they call home.

From defending the Endangered Species Act to advancing policies that support wildlife across the country, we build public support, turn that support into action and translate action into lasting change for wildlife.

Defending America’s Wildlife

Wolves, sea turtles, salmon, manatees, grizzly bears, bison and countless other species depend on strong wildlife protections and public support to survive and to thrive. From the Endangered Species Act to state laws that safeguard vulnerable species and the places they call home, we defend laws and programs that prevent extinction, reduce threats and give wildlife a fighting chance.

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund works to build public support for these protections, advocate for strong conservation policies and mobilize people to take action for wildlife.

Add your voice today and help defend America’s wildlife.
Moose calf standing in grass in forest
Lisa Hupp/USFWS

Why Your Voice Matters

America has made great strides in protecting and restoring its wildlife and natural heritage, but those hard-won gains are increasingly under threat. Climate change, habitat loss, unchecked development, and unregulated drilling, mining and logging continue to put wildlife and wild places at risk. At the same time, elected leaders are advancing policies that could weaken critical conservation protections — even as Americans continue to value and support protecting our nation’s wildlife and natural resources.

Brown Bear at Anan Creek
Jennifer Kardiak/USDA Forest Service

That's Where You Can Make a Difference

As a supporter of the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, you help build public understanding and support for wildlife protections — and turn that support into action. Your support fuels strategic advocacy and grassroots mobilization to advance strong conservation policies, defend bedrock wildlife laws and hold elected leaders accountable.

Together, we’re building the public and policy support needed to protect imperiled species, conserve critical habitat and ensure America’s wildlife can thrive for generations to come.

Our Vision

America is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife — from polar bears and gray wolves to condors and sea turtles, to moose and rainbow trout. Protecting this natural heritage requires more than strong science and conservation on the ground. It requires an informed and engaged public, strong laws and policies, and leaders willing to stand up for wildlife.

Through public education, legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization and accountability, the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund exists to build the public and policy support needed to strengthen wildlife protections and ensure conservation remains a priority for our elected leaders.

WILDLIFE NEEDS A VOICE WHEREVER DECISIONS ABOUT ITS FUTURE ARE MADE.

Learn more about Our Work
Caribou on Hulahula River
Danielle Brigida/USFWS

Making Wildlife Heard

Protecting wildlife requires more than good policy — it requires public attention, informed debate and accountability. Media coverage brings urgent threats to wildlife into the national conversation, helps people understand what’s at stake and gives them the information they need to take action.

By helping reporters, advocates and the public understand the issues shaping the future of wildlife, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund works to build awareness, strengthen public support for wildlife protections and ensure elected leaders know their constituents are paying attention.