African Parks would like to like to thank each and every one of our funders for supporting our work to protect Africa's wildlife and remaining wild landscapes.
Our long-term impact on wildlife conservation in Africa would not be possible without a core group of funders who provide largely flexible, multiyear funding of more than US$500K per year. We also acknowledge several European strategic private funders who prefer to remain anonymous.
Together, these strategic partners have anchored our work and enabled our growth with their incredibly generous and mostly unrestricted support.
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Acacia Conservation FundAcacia Conservation Fund (ACF), the philanthropic operation of Acacia Partners, makes conservation investments that address the declining biological diversity of life on earth. ACF supports results- oriented, entrepreneurial organizations that maximize the impact of their philanthropic dollars and that focus on proving and then expanding their impacts over time. Since 2015, ACF has provided unrestricted support and has also invested in African Parks’ Incubator Program, which trains select NGOs on the implementation of African Parks’ model.
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Adessium FoundationAdessium Foundation is a grant making foundation working towards the benefit of nature and society. Its mission is to contribute to a balanced society by supporting initiatives and organizations in the Netherlands and Europe that are committed to an open and just society, healthy ecosystems and equal opportunities for everyone. Adessium has been a funder of African Parks since 2008, funding both the portfolio of protected areas and institutional development.
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The Government of Beninhe Government of Benin made a significant five-year commitment of US$6 million when President Talon invited African Parks to assume management of Pendjari National Park in the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex that spans Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. The aim of the partnership is to preserve, manage, and develop this unique landscape. In addition, the Government of Benin has been instrumental in expanding our footprint into W-Benin and promoting regional security and cooperation.
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PATRIP FoundationPATRIP Foundation is a non-profit organization that channels multi-donor funds into cross-border projects aimed at increased stability and integration in fragile regions. PATRIP is improving the security, conservation and social development of the border regions of Northern Benin as a donor to W National Park through a 1.7 million Euros funding for a phase I of infrastructures inside and outside the park. This project is financed by the German Federal Office through the PATRIP Foundation and KfW.
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The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbHThe Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is Germany’s leading provider of international cooperation services. As a federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Since the start of African Parks engagement in the WAP, GIZ has provided funding to support the aerial survey in the WAP complex in 2019 and a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Arly and W Burkina Faso in 2020.
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The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty, deliver global goals for sustainable development (SDGs) and tackle a wide range of global challenges. In Malawi, £1 million in UK Aid from the British people is helping build resilience and adaptation to climate change among the communities living around the protected areas under our management. They are supporting education, developing alternative livelihoods, building local leadership capacity, raising awareness on the importance of the environment and conservation, and showcasing how protected areas mutually benefit nature and people.
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DOB EcologyDOB Ecology believes that strong and healthy ecosystems are vital ingredients for life, well-being and sustainable development. The mission of DOB Ecology is to support partners that work to protect and restore threatened ecosystems and (re)build the conditions for resilient livelihoods of local communities. The partnership between DOB Ecology and African Parks consists of two parts: the development and protection of Odzala-Kokoua National Park and a fundamental innovation in park management and nature conservation - not only in this park and within African Parks, but also to be shared in the conservation community: the Conservation Performance Cycle. With the help of technology and strategically prioritized research, new knowledge and data is generated quickly and reliably, which can be directly linked to the operational work on the ground. In this way, impact and progress can be monitored much more effectively and interventions can be adjusted and readjusted to improve results. This approach will be applied in Odzala-Kokoua National Park but will eventually also be integrated into the management of other African parks. In addition, the experiences will be actively shared with others who are active in preserving and managing protected areas (including all DOB Ecology Partners).
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Dutch Postcode LotteryThe Dutch Postcode Lottery has been raising funds since 1989 to support organisations working towards a fairer and greener world. At least 40% of every ticket sold goes to charity. The lottery has steadily grown to become the biggest charity lottery in the Netherlands, supporting 105 non-governmental organisations. Since its founding, the lottery has dispensed over € 6.2 billion. African Parks has received € 15.2 million since 2010. In 2018, we received a multi-year Extra Project award for Ennedi. In 2020 African Parks received €900,000 in unrestricted funding, but was also the recipient - together with WWF and Peace Parks - of €16.9 million for a Dreamfund project, to boost the ecological and socio-economic development of the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation area, the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA).
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The Elephant Crisis FundThe Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF), a joint initiative of Save the Elephants and the Wildlife Conservation Network, is a flexible and responsive fund that supports the best efforts from the most trusted organisations across the world working to save elephants. Since 2015, the ECF has not only contributed more than US$3.4 million to African Parks, but also expertise on best practices in elephant conservation. This has benefited critical surveillance and intelligence-based protection for some of our most threatened elephant populations in Central, Southern and Western Africa.
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European UnionThe European Union (EU) has been a long-standing funder, first supporting our growth into Central Africa in 2005. Their investment over the years has helped create areas of stability in a volatile region, and has helped attract additional funding and partners. The EU has been critical in managing large landscapes namely the Garamba National Park and its periphery, the Chinko Conservation Area, the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve, the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem and the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Improved management of those ecological important landscapes through effective park management and governance, safety and security for people and wildlife in respect of their respective rights and opportunities in green sectors for local populations contribute to the EU NaturAfrica’ initiative.
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The Fondation des Savanes Ouest-Africaines (FSOA)The Fondation des Savanes Ouest-Africaines (FSOA) or West African Savannah Foundation, is a conservation trust fund promoting the preservation of protected areas of the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, while advancing education, science and local economic development. The Foundation was set up by the Beninese Government and IUCN with the financial contributions of Benin Government, Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Financial German Cooperation (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau -KfW). The Foundation has been providing significant annual financial contribution to the successful management of the Pendjari National Park’s, since 2017. In 2019-2020, the FSOA provided 85% of funding to implement a Priority Action Plan to secure the Beninese W National Park, which evolved into a full management mandate to APN, in June 2020. The Foundation also committed promptly to cover fully funding needs to establish the first 3-months plan from the APN Mandate for APN management of Park W-Benin, up to December 2020. Its larger vision is to create a sustainable source of funding and support synergy of actions within the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex.
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Howard G. Buffett FoundationThe Howard G. Buffett Foundation seeks to catalyse transformational change, particularly for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. The Foundation views its resources as rare risk capital that can improve conditions and create change in the most difficult circumstances and geographies. Since 2014, the Foundation has supported a range of projects at Akagera from the construction of an eco-lodge to increase tourism, the re-introduction of rhinos, to general park management and security. The Foundation also donated an Airbus Helicopter to Garamba National Park, providing a vital force multiplier for its anti-poaching team. African Parks was also the beneficiary of a donation of real property, and the proceeds from the sale were received in 2020, providing important funding for on-going operations.
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LGT Venture Philanthropy (LGT VP)LGT Venture Philanthropy (LGT VP) is an independent charitable foundation established in 2007 with teams in Switzerland, Sub-Saharan Africa, and India. The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life of people facing disadvantages, contribute to healthy ecosystems and build resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities. Founded by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein, LGT VP strengthens the capabilities of locally rooted organizations that deliver effective, scalable solutions to systemic problems. The foundation focuses on complementary solutions across health, education, and the environment in Sub-Saharan Africa and India that directly contribute to the SDGs. LGT VP provides flexible, multi-year core funding and builds long-term partnerships to catalyze collaboration and collective impact. Through the LGT Impact Fellowship, LGT VP matches experienced professionals with portfolio organizations to deliver strategic business expertise. Over 15 years, LGT VP has supported 73 high-impact organizations and deployed $109 million, contributing to improving the quality of life of 9 million across five regions. For more information, please visit www.lgtvp.com
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Oppenheimer Generations FoundationOppenheimer Generations Foundation provides catalytic, flexible and discretionary funding in support of their commitment to building sustainable and prosperous societies. The Foundation began funding Bazaruto Archipelago National Park in 2018, committed US$2 million over five years to bring this marine area under African Parks’ management and unlock the value for its communities.
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The National Geographic SocietyThe National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Pendjari National Park in Benin is supported by the Society’s Last Wild Places initiative. Since 2018, the Society has been supporting Pendjari National Park with a five-year multimillion-dollar grant in partnership with The Wyss Foundation and the Government of Benin.
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Oak FoundationOak Foundation commits its resources to address issues of global, social and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. With offices in Europe, Africa, India and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organisations in approximately 40 countries worldwide. African Parks received a $1 million grant to support the set-up of operations and restoration of two new parks in in the African Parks portfolio: Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe and Iona National Park in Angola.
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Fentener van Vlissingen FamilyThe late Paul Fentener van Vlissingen provided the bulk of the initial funding that established African Parks in 2000. In 2010, his daughters Alicia and Tannetta Fentener van Vlissingen committed €25 million to the African Parks Endowment Fund in accordance with their father’s final wishes. Income from this Fund is earmarked primarily for African Parks’ overhead costs. During 2020 the Fund contributed US$1.8 million towards African Parks Network.
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People’s Postcode LotteryPeople’s Postcode Lottery manages lotteries on behalf of 20 Postcode Trusts. A minimum of 32 percent goes directly to charities and good causes across Britain and internationally. African Parks has been a recipient of funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery since 2015. In 2020, African Parks received £2 million as part of the Postcode Climate Challenge initiative, to help secure ecosystems and mitigate climate change in Chinko, Odzala-Kokoua, Liuwa Plain and Nyungwe National Park. African Parks UK is registered as a charity under OSCR, the Scottish regulator under nr.SC050047, and licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission under account number 57119. For more details on our license granted by the Gambling Commission please visit: https://beta.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/57119.
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Rainforest TrustRainforest Trust raises funds to support the creation and expansion of protected areas critical for biodiversity, saving endangered wildlife through partnerships and community engagement. For over 30 years, Rainforest Trust has successfully implemented conservation models that are cost-effective and engage a range of partnerships - from donors to leading experts to community outreach. In 2021, Rainforest Trust partnered with Chinko in the Central African Republic on a six-year project to enhance the legal statute of the conservation area and create the Chinko National Park, which will function as a catalyst for regional conservation initiatives. Not only will this help increase our biodiversity footprint, but will move lands once used for hunting to protected park status. African Parks is grateful to have the Rainforest Trust as a partner for this 8 million dollar commitment.
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Rob and Melani Walton FoundationThe mission of the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation is to elevate people, planet, and purpose by changing what people feel is possible and know is doable. The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation seeks partners who focus on the essential and interconnected elements of sustaining life, advancing all forms of knowledge, promoting understanding of healing, and increasing the sustainability of people and our planet. The Waltons have been invaluable partners to African Parks since 2003, providing support to safeguard the long-term survival of parks and wildlife across the continent. They supported the reintroduction of species such as lions and black rhinos to Akagera National Park, the development of evidence-based performance metrics, and our close collaboration with governments and communities to identify and share best practices.
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Donna and Marvin SchwartzDonna and Marvin Schwartz are extraordinary advocates for conservation and animal-related causes. They have a special interest and strong commitment to saving elephants and other large species that are threatened by poaching. The Schwartz family’s relationship with African Parks began in 2012 and they have provided critical support to our anti-poaching work in Central Africa. Their generosity has supported diverse efforts in Garamba National Park, Chinko and Odzala-Kokoua National Park. In 2018, the Schwartz family made a five-year pledge to provide on-going support for this critical work.
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Fondation SegréFondation Segré is a Swiss foundation established in 1996, committed to help protect the biodiversity of our planet through the active conservation of threatened species and their habitat, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Fondation Segré became a strategic funding partner of African Parks in 2016 and has supported our work in the Bangweulu Wetlands, Chinko, Bazaruto Archipelago, Odzala-Kokoua, Zakouma, and most recently also Nyungwe National Park. To date, they have provided over US$5 million.
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Stichting Natura AfricaeStichting Natura Africae is a charitable foundation established by Jan Verhagen, a Dutch entrepreneur, in 2017. Natura Africae is dedicated to the conservation of national parks and protected areas in Africa, and recognises the reciprocal relationship between the livelihoods of local communities and the successful protection of an ecosystem’s wildlife. The foundation provided €4 million in 2020, continuing its long-term commitment to Liuwa Plain National Park and the Bangweulu Wetlands. It also supported community and research project in Odzala-Kokoua, and the start of operations in Iona National Park, Angola.
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U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operates the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) with the aim of conserving the ecological integrity of the Congo Basin Forest for the benefit of local people and the global community. With their support, we are able to carry out the core protected area management of Garamba National Park and Chinko. In addition, through USAID funding, African Parks in consortia with African Wildlife Foundation is improving community resilience and wildlife conservation in the Mbomou-Uele border region.
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The U.S. Department of StateThe U.S. Department of State, through both the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Bureau of African Affairs (AF), advances good governance and peace and security, pre-requisites for sustainable economic development and protection of natural resources. They began providing support in 2018 and have committed over US$3 million for ranger uniforms, equipment and training for African Parks teams operating in Chad, Central African Republic, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo and Zambia. They have also supported leadership development and core training infrastructure, all of which leads to enhanced capacity to disrupt illegal wildlife trade and promote regional stability.
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The Wildcat FoundationThe Wildcat Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation whose purpose is to help save and provide for the long-term conservation of endangered wildlife and wild places in Africa. It supports innovative new approaches that disrupt traditional wildlife protection paradigms, focusing largely on medical training, aircraft, equipment and technology for Rangers. The Wildcat Foundation first partnered with African Parks in 2014, supporting the historic 500-elephant move in Malawi. Over the years, Wildcat has invested in seven parks across six countries. Wildcat has been instrumental in assisting with the development and implementation a new law enforcement strategy at Garamba National Park, which has resulted in a 95% reduction in elephant poaching.
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WWFWorld Wilidlife Fund (WWF) collaborates with local communities to conserve natural resources and build a future in which people and nature thrive. WWF works with partners at all levels to transform markets and policies toward sustainability, tackle the threats driving the climate crisis, and protect and restore wildlife and habitats. WWF has been collaborating with Odzala-Kokoua and WCS to reduce illegal wildlife exploitation and maximise benefits of wildlife corridors between Odzala-Kokoua, Nouabalé-Ndoki and Ntokou-Pikounda national parks.
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The Wyss FoundationThe Wyss Foundation is a private charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land. The Foundation’s relationship with African Parks began in 2015 with a grant to support the restoration of Akagera National Park, followed by a significant investment in Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, both in Malawi. In 2017, The Wyss Foundation made a ground-breaking commitment of US$65m to provide ongoing support for Akagera and the Malawi parks, along with start-up funding for five new parks. This enabled the addition of Pendjari and W National Parks in Benin, Bazaruto Archipelago National Park in Mozambique, Iona National Park in Angola, and Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. In 2021, the Wyss Foundation furthered its support of African Parks with another extraordinary commitment of US$108m, which will provide for the continued support of current Wyss-funded parks as well as start-up funding for five more new parks.
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The Lion Recovery FundThe Lion Recovery Fund (LRF), an initiative operated and managed by the Wildlife Conservation Network, is a nimble and flexible fund that invests in the most innovative and effective projects across Africa that can recover lions and restore their landscapes. Since 2017, the LRF has contributed more than US$2.3 million to African Parks. This funding has benefitted eight different African Parks sites, but with a particular focus on several parks in West and Central Africa given the extreme vulnerability of lion populations in those regions. The LRF has invested heavily in African Parks’s Chinko site in Central African Republic, a vast 55,000 km2 wilderness with immense potential for lion recovery.
Other Partners
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AmericaresAmericares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Americares is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies.
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The Hunger ProjectThe Hunger Project works on ending hunger and poverty by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women centered strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. The Hunger Project currently reaches more than 17 million people in nearly 16.000 villages in Africa, Asia and Latin America. For more information about The Hunger Project visit www.thp.org and www.thehungerproject.nlis, alternatively click the above link to view the impact The Hunger Project is making around Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi.