We work within specific areas of western North America. We use conservation science to identify priority regions that correspond with our focus on wildlands and habitat connections that allow wildlife to thrive.
Flathead River Valley. British Columbia. Photo: Harvey Locke
Connecting Wildlands, Wildlife, & People
Wilburforce Foundation empowers conservation leaders to protect the irreplaceable lands, waters, and wildlife of western North America.
We support and connect organizations and individuals that are committed to protecting wild places and the wildlife that depend on them. We invest in science-based solutions, advocate for responsible policies, and strengthen our grantees’ capacities to achieve lasting outcomes.
wilburforce foundation grants
What we fund
We exist to preserve western North America’s irreplaceable biological diversity and ecological integrity. We work with our partners to defend and use environmental policies that safeguard wildlife and wild places.
Who we support
We support a diversity of organizations and collaborative efforts throughout our priority regions. We make sustained investments in our partners over time and build their capacity to achieve higher levels of effectiveness.
news & information
We are delighted to welcome Desiree Pena as our new Office Manager. Desiree is responsible for supporting the entire Wilburforce team by undertaking core administrative functions. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business from Tacoma Community College, and joins us as an experienced Office Manager with time at corporations of various sizes. ![]()
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When she's not working hard to support our mission, she enjoys day trips to the mountains, paddle boarding in the summers, and exploring different dessert spots. Originally from Florida, Desiree made her cross country trek to Seattle in 2018, and has been here ever since. She hopes to one day convince her entire family to make the trip and settle in the PNW! ![]()
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We couldn't be happier to have her on board!
We’re thrilled to announce our participation in the Tribal Nations Conservation Pledge, a new initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy in partnership with Biodiversity Funders Group. We’ve joined together with 14 other major funders to collectively commit more than $100 million over the next five years to supporting Tribal-led conservation work.![]()
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This pledge is an important commitment to both people AND planet, and we’re proud to be a part of this people-centered, Tribal-led vision of conservation. Learn more at tribes.nativephilanthropy.org.