About
The National Audubon Society is one of the oldest conservation organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Incorporated in 1905, and building on waterbird protection efforts that began in 1901, Audubon works to protect birds and the places they need across the Americas. Headquartered in New York City, the organization combines science, advocacy, community organizing, and on-the-ground habitat conservation, with a network of chapters, centers, and sanctuaries spanning the hemisphere.
Mission
Audubon's mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Because most American bird species migrate annually between Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the organization takes a hemispheric approach, working across 11 countries.
What they do
- Bird conservation: working to "bend the bird curve" by halting and reversing declines in bird populations across the hemisphere.
- Science: producing conservation science and tools such as the Migratory Bird Explorer and the Survival by Degrees climate study.
- Policy and advocacy: advancing bird-friendly policy through diplomacy and advocacy at local, national, and hemispheric levels.
- Community building: mobilizing grassroots conservation action through its chapter network and centers.
History
Audubon's organized bird protection work dates to 1901, and the National Audubon Society was incorporated in 1905, giving it more than 120 years of conservation history. The organization has been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit since November 1972, according to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Scale and impact
- More than 800 staff members.
- 507 community and campus chapters.
- 55 centers and sanctuaries serving millions of visitors.
- Conservation programs operating in 11 countries across the Western Hemisphere.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 the National Audubon Society reported revenue of $197.3 million, expenses of $199.5 million, and net assets of $590.3 million. Contributions made up 84.5 percent of revenue ($166.7 million), with program services contributing 6.0 percent and investment income 2.7 percent.
Governance
The organization is led by Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gray, supported by executive officers including a Chief Conservation Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and General Counsel, per its most recent Form 990 filing summarized by ProPublica.