Advocacy
Advancing and defending strong wildlife protections at the federal and state levels.
Peter Pattavina/FWS
Our Work
Defenders of Wildlife advances wildlife conservation through science, policy, advocacy, litigation and on-the-ground conservation. The Action Fund brings expanded education, advocacy and public engagement and holds elected officials accountable in the fight to protect and restore wildlife.
Our Priorities
Grassroots Organizing
Mobilizing advocates to make their voices heard when critical decisions are being made.
Supporter Engagement
Helping people understand the issues affecting wildlife and giving them meaningful opportunities to take action.
Communications
Informing the public, shaping the conversation around wildlife conservation and building support for policies that protect wildlife and habitat.
Paul Jeffrey / Alamy Stock Photo
Why the Action Fund Was Created
Protecting and restoring wildlife requires more than sound science, strong laws and conservation work on the ground. It also requires an informed and engaged public — and the will to turn broad support for wildlife into policy solutions.
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund was created to bring advocacy engagement to the fight for wildlife. We exist to influence public policy, mobilize advocates and hold elected officials accountable so that wildlife remains a priority for the people elected to represent us.
How the Action Fund Relates to Defenders of Wildlife
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization affiliated with Defenders of Wildlife, a 501(c)(3) charitable conservation organization. The two organizations share a commitment to protecting wildlife and habitat but have distinct roles in fighting for wildlife.
Defenders of Wildlife advances wildlife conservation through science, policy, advocacy, litigation and on-the-ground conservation. The Action Fund brings expanded education, advocacy and public engagement to the fight for wildlife — including legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization and accountability. The Action Fund’s education work aims to inform the public about the decisions that affect the future of wildlife and give citizens the tools they need to take action for the wildlife they love.
Through their separate work, the organizations are committed to building the scientific, public and policy support necessary to secure lasting protections for wildlife and habitat.
What Makes the Action Fund Different
Wildlife is our focus.
Our advocacy and policy engagement are driven by a singular goal: securing a future in which wildlife and the places they call home can thrive.
We turn support for wildlife into action.
We give people opportunities to speak up, engage decision-makers and help build the legislative will necessary to protect wildlife.
We focus resources where they can make a difference.
The Action Fund was founded to engage in strategic advocacy efforts designed to strengthen wildlife protections and hold decision-makers accountable.