About
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the United States through grassroots action in 1951, TNC has grown into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Backed by more than a million members and a staff that includes over 1,000 scientists, the organization impacts conservation in 86 countries and territories — 41 through direct conservation impact and 45 through partners.
Mission
To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC's vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and for its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
What they do
- Tackle climate change, one of the organization's core 2030 priorities.
- Protect ocean, land and fresh water, including running more than 100 marine conservation projects.
- Work to provide food and water sustainably.
- Conduct and apply conservation science through a staff of more than 1,000 scientists.
- Work across regions including Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, India, Latin America and the United States.
TNC has set explicit goals for 2030 aimed at avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, conserving enough habitat to slow species loss, and safeguarding people.
History
TNC's roots reach back to the Ecological Society of America, formed in 1915, whose members debated whether the group should also work to preserve natural areas. In 1917 several members formed the Committee on Preservation of Natural Areas for Ecological Study, led by ecologist Victor Shelford. After that committee dissolved, Shelford and a small group of scientists formed the Ecologists Union in 1946, resolving to take direct action to save threatened natural areas. The organization officially became The Nature Conservancy in the early 1950s and was launched into land protection on Christmas Eve 1954, when it helped neighbors save a 60-acre forest in New York.
Scale and impact
Figures published by the organization:
- Conservation impact in more than 80 countries and territories.
- More than 125 million acres of land protected.
- More than 100 marine conservation projects in operation.
- More than 1,000 scientists on staff and over a million members.
Financials
Per The Nature Conservancy's IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 53-0242652), for the fiscal year ending June 2023 the organization reported total revenue of approximately 1.17 billion dollars (including about 980 million dollars in contributions and grants), total expenses of approximately 1.12 billion dollars, and total assets of approximately 9.2 billion dollars. TNC has been recognized as tax-exempt since 1954.