American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), based in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a public charity that advances zoos and aquariums in conservation, education, science, and recreation. It represents 254 facilities in the United States and overseas, according to its website, and supports conservation, animal care and welfare, education, and cooperative scientific initiatives.
Key facts about American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
In short: American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc gave $7.1M across 50 grants in 2024 (avg $142K), top state California. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 55-0526930
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $7,122,409
- Grants made (2024)
- 50
- Average grant
- $142,448
- Median grant
- $46,995
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (19 of 50, 2024)
- Total assets
- $35,169,032
- Primary geography
- California (38% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$35.2M
+6.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.1M
+401.0% YoY
Grant Count
50
+61.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$142K
+210.6% YoY
Is American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 19 of 50 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $101K; repeat grants $168K. How we count
Medians: $32K first-time, $80K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
AZA’s filing describes its mission as advancing zoological parks and aquariums in species conservation, animal welfare, and conservation education. Its website says its accredited facilities spend more than $230 million annually on field conservation and that AZA’s Conservation Grants Fund has supported projects worldwide.
The Conservation Grants Fund (CGF) supports cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA, accredited zoos and aquariums, and their collaborators. Since the 2022 grant cycle, CGF funds have been directed only to projects advancing the objectives of AZA’s SAFE species programs. AZA also offers an Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund for research on animal wellbeing and staff education and training projects. Its stated priorities include animal care and wellbeing, high-quality science, benefit to the AZA community, and collaboration.
Recipients in 2024 included zoos, aquariums, a botanical garden, and the Smithsonian Institution. The grantees describe their work in their own missions: Lincoln Park Zoo focuses on connecting people with nature and advancing animal care, education, science, and conservation; Monterey Bay Aquarium aims to inspire ocean conservation; and the Smithsonian Institution’s mission is to increase and diffuse knowledge. The National Tropical Botanical Garden describes its work as perpetuating tropical plants, ecosystems, and cultural heritage through research, conservation, and education.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, AZA reported 50 grants totaling $7,122,409. The grants ranged from $5,552 to $1,002,077, with a median of $46,995. Some of the largest listed awards were for endangered species COVID relief. The Marine Mammal Center received $1,002,077; Lincoln Park Zoological Society received $618,598 for its Population Management Center; Monterey Bay Aquarium received $602,176 for Ocean Week and endangered species COVID relief; and the Smithsonian Institution received $569,093 for “Whopping Crane” and endangered species COVID relief.
The 2024 recipient list also included Los Angeles Zoo ($553,428), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ($377,993), Texas State Aquarium ($335,030), Louisville Zoo ($246,368), Sea World San Diego ($244,967), Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden ($205,388), National Tropical Botanical Garden ($193,134), and Saint Louis Zoo ($191,461). These listed awards have purposes including endangered species COVID relief, conservation, and reproductive or population management.
AZA’s website reports that the CGF has provided more than $9.2 million to 492 projects since 1991. Since 2022, approximately 60% of proposals received each year were funded, with an average award of approximately $22,500. The 2026 CGF application deadline was March 16, 2026, and that cycle is closed. The 2026 Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund application deadline was June 30, 2026; applicants were scheduled to be notified in November 2026. Its published eligibility requirements include AZA individual membership for the principal investigator and co-investigators, employment of the principal investigator or at least one co-investigator by a currently and fully AZA-accredited facility, a connection to species in the care of AZA-accredited facilities, and institutional support statements for each participating facility.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
AZA Conservation Grants Fund
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
Amount
Approximately US $22,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
AZA Conservation Grants Fund
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to California (38%), Illinois (9%), and Washington, D.C. (9%), followed by Texas and Missouri (5% each). AZA’s website describes conservation projects supported by its accredited facilities in 130 countries.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2020) to $18.8M (2022). In 2024 it made 50 grants totaling $7.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Marine Mammal Center ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $4.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
259 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 155 grants of 259 (60%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Marine Mammal Center Sausalitto, CA | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $1,002,077 |
| Lincoln Park Zoological Society Chicago, IL | Population Management Center | $618,598 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, CA | Ocean Week & Endangered Species Covid Relief | $602,176 |
| Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC | Whopping Crane, Endangered Species Covid Relief | $569,093 |
| Los Angeles Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $553,428 |
| San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego, CA | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $377,993 |
| Texas State Aquarium Corpus Christi, TX | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $335,030 |
| Louisville Zoo Louisville, KY | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $246,368 |
| Sea World San Diego Orlando, FL | Endangered Species Covid Relief | $244,967 |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gar Cincinnati, OH | African Lions & Endagered Species Covid Relief | $205,388 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $35,169,032 | $20,870,405 | $18,320,152 | $7,122,409 | 50 |
| 2023 | $32,978,351 | $13,318,166 | $12,145,369 | $1,421,606 | 31 |
| 2022 | $29,617,587 | $31,309,593 | $28,739,293 | $18,784,094 | 107 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $35,169,032 | $32,978,351 | $29,617,587 |
| Revenue | $20,870,405 | $13,318,166 | $31,309,593 |
| Expenses | $18,320,152 | $12,145,369 | $28,739,293 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,385,684 | $335,379 | $288,149 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 16, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Denise Verret as chair, Christopher Dold as chair-elect, Dwight Scott as vice chair, and Lisa New as past chair. Directors listed were Kyle Burks, Becky DeWitz, Roger Germann, Charles Hopper, Carrie Lewis, and Luis Padilla.
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc is led by Daniel M. Ashe, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 8 of 23 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Daniel M. Ashe
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$575K (2020) → $538K (2024)
Denise Verret
Chair
Director → Chair-Elect, 2023
Chair-Elect → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric J. Rose
Director
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Megan R. Ross
Director
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Becky Dewitz
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles Hopper
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chris Pfefferkorn
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Piekarz
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kyle Burks
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roger Germann
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carrie Lewis
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Peterson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Luis Padilla
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Candice Dorsey
Senior Vice President Conservation & Management
Senior Vice President Conservation & Management Welfare Sciences → Senior Vice President Conservation & Management Welfare S, 2021
Senior Vice President Conservation & Management Welfare S → Senior Vice President Conservation & Management, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$129K (2020) → $196K (2024)
Craig M. Hoover
Executive Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$207K (2020) → $258K (2024)
John C. Keeney Jr.
General Counsel
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$195K (2020) → $226K (2024)
Sara Walker
Senior Advisor on Wildlife Tr
Senior Advisor on Wildlife Trafficking → Senior Advisor on Wildlife Tr, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$131K (2020) → $186K (2024)
Melissa A. Howerton
Senior Vice President of Member Services
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$189K (2022) → $195K (2024)
Philip F. Wagner
Senior Vice President of Finance
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$205K (2023) → $206K (2024)
Sarah E. Milberg
Senior Vice President of External Affairs
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$140K (2024)
Christopher Dold
Chair-Elect
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair-Elect, 2024
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dwight Scott
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa New
Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Adrienne Rowland (2020–2023) — Past Chair
- Former: Robert Vernon (2020–2023) — Senior Vice President of Communications
- Former: Brian L. Davis (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Cynthia Vernon (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Margo McKnight (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Norberto J. Castro (2020–2022) — Past Chair
- Former: Phil F. Wagner (2020–2022) — Senior Vice President of Finance
- Former: Rich Block (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Steve G. Olson (2020–2022) — Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
- Former: Glenn D. Dobrogosz (2022) — Director
- Former: Christopher Kuhar (2020–2021) — Past Chair
- Former: Mark R. Penning (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Tara L. Riemer (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Kristin L. Vehrs (2020) — Executive Director -
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $538K, to Daniel M Ashe (President & CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 8403 Colesville Road Suite 710, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 562-0777
Website: https://aza.org
Frequently asked questions about American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc
How much does American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc give each year?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc gave $7.1M across 50 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 31 grants.
What is American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's typical grant size?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's median grant in 2024 was $46,995, and its average grant was $142,448, across 50 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc that year got $101K on average.
Where does American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc give grants?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's top state is California, with 38% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Illinois (9%) and District of Columbia (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (3 grants).
Does American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 50 grants with a stated purpose on American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Endangered Species Covid Relief" (15 grants), "FL Broodstock Managm & Coral Holding Project" (6 grants) and "Party for the Planet" (5 grants).
Who are American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's largest grantees?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's largest 2024 grantees include The Marine Mammal Center ($1,002,077), Lincoln Park Zoological Society ($618,598) and Monterey Bay Aquarium ($602,176), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc reported $35.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $20.9M.
What does American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc fund?
AZA’s filing describes its mission as advancing zoological parks and aquariums in species conservation, animal welfare, and conservation education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check aza.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's EIN?
American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 55-0526930. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Here's the math on researching American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc by hand.
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