About
Polar Bears International (PBI) describes itself as the only conservation organization dedicated solely to wild polar bears, working to protect the bears and the Arctic sea ice they depend on. Headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, PBI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States (EIN 77-0322706) and a registered charity in Canada, with projects spanning the Arctic.
Mission
PBI's mission is to inspire action to protect polar bears and their Arctic sea ice home through research, education, advocacy, and international collaboration. Its vision is a future where polar bears thrive on the Arctic sea ice they depend on.
What they do
- Research and conservation: PBI has authored or funded more than 115 peer-reviewed papers that shape polar bear conservation, focusing on high-impact conservation projects.
- Human-polar bear coexistence: the organization runs conflict-reduction initiatives in more than five communities across Canada and Norway, using tools that help people and polar bears coexist safely.
- Education and outreach: PBI provides free webcasts, teaching materials, and interactive activities; millions of viewers engage with its live cams and broadcasts.
- Policy and management: staff participate in local, national, and international conservation planning groups.
History
Polar Bears International was established in 1992 by wildlife enthusiasts who were inspired after observing and photographing polar bears near Churchill, Manitoba, from an early Tundra Buggy. It has since grown into a recognized leader in polar bear conservation.
Financials
According to its IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, PBI reported total revenue of 5,700,800 dollars, total expenses of 4,877,331 dollars, and total assets of 3,469,074 dollars. Contributions made up about 97.6 percent of revenue, and the organization posted net income of 823,469 dollars. PBI has been tax-exempt since January 1994.
Governance
PBI is led by Executive Director Krista Wright. It states values including science-grounded optimism, collaborative and science-based approaches, and building diverse global communities. The organization holds nonprofit status in both the United States and Canada (Canadian registered charity number 862722279 RR0001).
