Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc is a public charity based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It operates the Fort Wayne Zoo under a cooperative agreement with the City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department and supports zoo operations, education, animal care, and conservation.
Key facts about Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc
In short: Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc gave $96K across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $7K), top state Indiana. 46% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 35-6068234
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $96,202
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- Average grant
- $7,400
- Median grant
- $7,452
- New grantees (estimate)
- 46% first-time grantees (6 of 13, 2024)
- Total assets
- $40,131,058
- Primary geography
- Indiana (23% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The Society’s Zoo For All program accepts applications from area nonprofit organizations working with children and families who may face barriers to visiting the zoo. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- Rolling
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$40.1M
+2.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$96K
+5.7% YoY
Grant Count
13
+116.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
-51.2% YoY
Is Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc open to new grantees?
46%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 13 grantees (46%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $7K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $7K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2024). 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
The Society’s mission is to connect kids and animals, strengthen families, and inspire people to care. Its 2024 filing describes work in conservation and research, education, animal care, and exhibits. The zoo reported that 16,439 people participated in 1,681 education programs in 2024 and that it provided financial support to 40 conservation partners.
The Society’s 2024 grants were designated for conservation programs. Grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the kinds of work supported: the Minnesota Zoo Foundation raises contributed income for conservation and animal care and supports the Minnesota Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Little River Wetlands Project works to restore and protect wetlands in the Little River watershed and provide education about wetlands and natural ecosystems. Giraffe Conservation Foundation USA supports organizations working to conserve giraffes and their habitat in Africa.
The zoo also operates Zoo For All, a community ticket program that awards nearly $200,000 worth of free admission tickets each year to area nonprofit organizations working with children and families who may face barriers to visiting the zoo.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Society reported 13 grants totaling $96,202. Grants ranged from $5,500 to $8,271, with a median of $7,452. The listed grants were for conservation programs.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Society is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Its 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states; the largest reported recipient-state shares were Indiana (23%), South Carolina (16%), Minnesota (9%), Ohio (8%), and New York (8%). These figures describe the geographic distribution of the Society’s 2024 grants.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 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 $47K (2020) to $210K (2021). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $96K.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Minnesota Zoo Foundation ($8K). Together the top 10 received $77K.
Grant Size Distribution
43 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 41 grants of 43 (95%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Zoo Foundation Apple Valley, MN | Conservation Program | $8,271 |
| Turtle Survival Alliance Charleston, SC | Conservation Program | $8,189 |
| The Wilds Powell, OH | Conservation Program | $8,107 |
| WCS Global Resources Bronx, NY | Conservation Program | $8,107 |
| Omaha Zoological Society Omaha, NE | Conservation Program | $7,862 |
| Giraffe Conservation Foundation - USA Orlando, FL | Conservation Program | $7,500 |
| Lion Guardians Washington, DC | Conservation Program | $7,452 |
| Little River Wetlands Project Fort Wayne, IN | Conservation Program | $7,452 |
| Acres Land Trust Huntertown, IN | Conservation Program | $7,206 |
| World Parrot Trust Travelers Rest, SC | Conservation Program | $7,125 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40,131,058 | $18,153,771 | $18,065,551 | $96,202 |
| 2023 | $39,161,489 | $15,740,300 | $18,577,780 | $91,000 |
| 2022 | $39,339,495 | $15,430,147 | $12,754,297 | $113,840 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $40,131,058 | $39,161,489 | $39,339,495 |
| Revenue | $18,153,771 | $15,740,300 | $15,430,147 |
| Expenses | $18,065,551 | $18,577,780 | $12,754,297 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,761,131 | $1,407,086 | $823,474 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 26, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 29, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 2, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Tom Ackmann as president, Sarah Earls as vice president, Paris McFarthing as treasurer, and Dominic Freiburger as secretary. Directors listed were Katie Davis, Chris Gomez, Ashley Harman, Molly Jorgensen, Mark Hagerman, and Ron Howard.
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc is led by Rick Schuiteman, Executive Director - Zoo on every filing since 2021; 7 of 31 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Rick Schuiteman
Executive Director - Zoo
On filings since 2021
50 hrs/week
$180K (2021) → $220K (2024)
Tom Ackmann
President
Director → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Lazoff
Director of Philanthropy A
Director of Development → Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations, 2023
Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations → Director of Philanthropy A, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$112K (2020) → $140K (2024)
Sara Morales
Director of Finance & Administrator
Director of Finance → Director of Finance & Administration, 2023
Director of Finance & Administration → Director of Finance & Administrator, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$78K (2020) → $117K (2024)
Bonnie Kemp
Director of Communications
On filings since 2022
50 hrs/week
$109K (2022) → $111K (2024)
Aaron Harper
Director of Operations
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$102K (2023) → $106K (2024)
Kami Fox
Director of Animal Health
Director of Animal Health & Conservation → Director of Animal Health, 2024
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$107K (2023) → $110K (2024)
Michelle Smurl
Director of Animal Care
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$111K (2023) → $120K (2024)
Chris Gomez
Director
Vice President → President, 2022
President → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chuck Surack
Director
President → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Don Cates
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Shearer
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather Schimmele
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Anderson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Hagerman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randy Brown
Director
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ron Howard
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ron Turpin
Director
Secretary → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Ellis
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Khorshid
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rachel Steinhofer
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Davis
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kyle Krish
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Harman
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Marcuccilli
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carly Maxwell
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Molly Jorgensen
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nick Talarico
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dominic Freiburger
Secretary
Treasurer → Director, 2022
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Earls
Vice President
Director → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paris McFarthing
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Brian Emerick (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Dave McComb (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Kristin Marcuccilli (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Whitney Bandemer (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Nancy Louraine (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Ben Miles (2020–2022) — Director · Filing note: Thru feb 2022
- Former: Gary Probst (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jim Houlihan (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Cheryl Schleinkofer (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: James Anderson (2020–2021) — Former Executive Director - Zoo · Filing note: Thru jan 2021
- Former: Julianne Toenges (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Matt Momper (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Mike O'Hara (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Joseph Smith (2020) — Direct of Annual Programs
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 $220K, to Rick Schuiteman (Executive Director - Zoo). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260) 427-6800
Website: https://fwzoo.com
Frequently asked questions about Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc
How much does Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc give each year?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc gave $96K across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $91K across 6 grants.
What is Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's typical grant size?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's median grant in 2024 was $7,452, and its average grant was $7,400, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc that year got $7K on average.
Where does Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc give grants?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's top state is Indiana, with 23% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were South Carolina (16%) and Minnesota (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Wayne, IN (2 grants).
Does Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Conservation Program" (13 grants).
Who are Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's largest grantees?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Minnesota Zoo Foundation ($8,271), Turtle Survival Alliance ($8,189) and The Wilds ($8,107), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc reported $40.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $18.2M.
What does Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc fund?
The Society’s mission is to connect kids and animals, strengthen families, and inspire people to care. Its 2024 filing describes work in conservation and research, education, animal care, and exhibits. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc?
The Society’s Zoo For All program accepts applications from area nonprofit organizations working with children and families who may face barriers to visiting the zoo. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's EIN?
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-6068234. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc by hand.
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