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 is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc at a glance
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.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $96,202
- +5.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- +116.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $7,400
- -51.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $7,452
- Total assets
- $40,131,058
- +2.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 46% first-time grantees (6 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (23% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc
- How to Apply
-
The Zoo website describes an application process for Zoo For All community ticket grants.
- Review Cycle
- The Zoo For All application event listed for February 1, 2025 is a past cycle. The website says applications for the program open on February 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Deadline
- The Zoo For All application event listed for February 1, 2025 is a past cycle.
- Contact
Mailing address: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: (260) 427-6800
Website: https://fwzoo.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc funds
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%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Zoo For All ticket program is described as serving area nonprofit organizations. Among the Society’s 2024 grant dollars, the largest recipient-state shares were Indiana (23%), South Carolina (16%), Minnesota (9%), Ohio (8%), and New York (8%). The listed recipients also include organizations in other states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
States
Cities
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. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. 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.
Giving History
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.
Grants by year
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 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $40,131,058 | $18,153,771 | $18,065,551 | $96,202 | 13 | $1,761,131 |
| 2023 | $39,161,489 | $15,740,300 | $18,577,780 | $91,000 | 6 | $1,407,086 |
| 2022 | $39,339,495 | $15,430,147 | $12,754,297 | $113,840 | 10 | $823,474 |
| 2021 | $38,602,539 | $21,227,261 | $10,790,421 | $210,000 | 14 | $1,163,049 |
| 2020 | $25,957,163 | $8,609,549 | $9,260,017 | $47,179 | Total only | $1,023,090 |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care.” Its 2024 filing describes support for 40 conservation partners around the globe, alongside conservation research and education. The filing also reports that 16,439 people participated in 1,681 Zoo education programs in 2024.
The 2024 grants listed in the filing were designated for conservation programs. Grantee missions illustrate the range of work represented: the Minnesota Zoo Foundation says it supports conservation and animal care programs on behalf of the Minnesota Zoo; the Wildlife Conservation Society says it works to save wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, education, and public engagement; and The Wilds describes itself as a conservation center and safari park focused on connecting people and wild animals and saving wildlife. In Indiana, Little River Wetlands Project says it restores and protects wetlands and provides stewardship education, while ACRES Land Trust says it protects natural and working lands.
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 filing lists conservation-program grants of $8,271 to Minnesota Zoo Foundation, $8,189 to Turtle Survival Alliance, $8,107 each to The Wilds and WCS Global Resources, and $7,862 to Omaha Zoological Society. Other listed recipients included Giraffe Conservation Foundation - USA ($7,500), Lion Guardians ($7,452), Little River Wetlands Project ($7,452), ACRES Land Trust ($7,206), World Parrot Trust ($7,125), The Leatherback Trust ($7,125), and Nashville Zoo ($6,306).
Separately, the Zoo website describes Zoo For All, a Community Ticket Grants Program providing nearly $200,000 worth of free admission tickets each year to area nonprofit organizations working with children and families who may face barriers to a Zoo visit. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the website asks applicants to allow at least 60 days for review.
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 are 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.
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 organization’s mission is “Connecting kids and animals, strengthening families, and inspiring people to care.” Its 2024 filing describes support for 40 conservation partners around the globe, alongside conservation research and education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc?
The Zoo website describes an application process for Zoo For All community ticket grants. 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 October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
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
Live grants for the work Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/fort-wayne-zoological-society-inc-morg_3cc84ac57067424fa2841d77b9c4dcc0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_356068234_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/fort-wayne-zoological-society-inc-morg_3cc84ac57067424fa2841d77b9c4dcc0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Fort Wayne Zoological Society Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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