Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association
GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOOLOGICAL is a public charity based in Glendale, California. Formed in 1963, it manages endowment funds to support its own operations and programs and, on behalf of the zoo, funds conservation projects in the United States and around the world.
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association at a glance
In short: Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association gave $8.4M across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $844K), mostly in California. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $8,435,691
- -1.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- -16.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $843,569
- +18.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $77,996
- Total assets
- $55,724,837
- +1.5% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- California (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association
- How to Apply
-
The filing says zoo curators and officials recommend proposed conservation grants to senior zoo staff. Organizations budgeted for support are invited to complete a zoo grant request form covering their organization, mission and governance; prior grants from the program; and the proposed project, including how it will be administered and evaluated.
- Contact
Mailing address: 655 North Central Avenue 17Th Floo, Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: (323) 694-9993
Website: https://glaza.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 5 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo ($8.4M across 5 grants). Together the top 5 received $8.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
41 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 19 grants of 41 (46%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The filing describes conservation projects in the United States and around the world. In 2025, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in California; the filing also lists recipients in Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, and Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
Cities
How Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association gives
- Giving grew 62% from 2022 to 2025. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.1M (2021) to $8.5M (2024). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $8.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Various Operating Expenses | $4,890,985 |
| Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Ticketed Events Transfer | $1,705,733 |
| Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Membership Transfer | $1,519,152 |
| Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Sponsorship Transfer | $143,829 |
| Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo Los Angeles, CA | Site Rentals Transfer | $130,992 |
| Assoc Zoos & Aquariums Baltimore, MD | Safe Program Platinum Membership | $25,000 |
| Assoc Zoos & Aquariums Baltimore, MD | Animal Wellbeing Summit Sponsorshp | $5,000 |
| Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Powell, OH | Safe Elephant Conservation | $5,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, IL | Safe Chimps Conservation | $5,000 |
| Zoo Atlanta Atlanta, GA | Safe African Vulture Conservation | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,724,837 | $21,322,996 | $23,617,697 | $8,435,691 | 10 | $1,504,696 |
| 2024 | $54,910,836 | $22,880,543 | $22,065,006 | $8,531,005 | 12 | $1,360,658 |
| 2023 | $51,150,097 | $26,829,235 | $21,435,568 | $7,924,706 | 10 | $1,016,621 |
| 2022 | $43,612,955 | $20,392,647 | $14,592,388 | $5,218,088 | 4 | $1,122,024 |
| 2021 | $44,961,894 | $11,347,392 | $10,316,521 | $2,058,296 | 5 | $1,355,992 |
| 2020 | $39,238,181 | $17,958,017 | $19,174,568 | $4,604,277 | 4 | $1,151,784 |
| 2019 | $39,970,980 | $24,280,743 | $20,896,577 | $5,367,170 | 5 | $758,507 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The filing refers to Schedule O for the organization’s mission, but no mission statement is provided here. The funder’s filing says its endowment supports GLAZA and zoo operations and programs. It also describes funding conservation projects, with zoo curators and officials recommending proposed grants to senior zoo staff.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the funder reported 10 grants totaling $8,435,691. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $4,890,985, with a median of $77,996. The largest listed grants went to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, City of Los Angeles Department of the Zoo: $4,890,985 for various operating expenses, $1,705,733 for a ticketed-events transfer, and $1,519,152 for a membership transfer. Other listed grants included $25,000 to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for a SAFE Program platinum membership and $5,000 each to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta for specified conservation purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists these trustees: Courtney Appell, Michael D. Armstrong, Alma Banuelos From 1224, Brian L. Diamond, Shainaz Donnelly Burg, Esther S. Chao, Vivian Chow, Marlyn Gates Day (until November 2024), Wendy M. Denham, MD, and Justin T. Enbody.
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association is led by Dawn Petersen-Amend, Interim President & General Counsel since 2024 (on filings since 2019); 7 of 37 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Dawn Petersen-Amend
Interim President & General Counsel
General Counsel → Vice President of Administrator & General Counsel, 2023
Vice President of Administrator & General Counsel → Interim President & General Counsel, 2024
On filings since 2019
37.5 hrs/week
$166K (2019) → $283K (2025)
Erika A. Stern
Chair
Vice Chair → Trustee & Chair, 2024
Trustee & Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Emily Marrin
Director of Marketing & Communications
Marketing & Communication Director → Director of Marketing & Committee, 2023
Director of Marketing & Committee → Director of Marketing & Communications, 2024
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$107K (2020) → $171K (2025)
Eric Happe
Director of Finance
Controller → Director of Finance, 2023
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$104K (2020) → $138K (2025)
Kevin O'Brien
Director of Corporate Sponsorships
Director of Corporate Giving → Director of Corporate Sponsorships, 2023
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$136K (2020) → $158K (2025)
Erica Aghevli
Director of Foundation & Govt Relations
New on the 2025 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$126K (2025)
Brian L. Diamond
Trustee
Chair & Trustee → Chair, 2023
Chair → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elisabeth Hunt Price
Trustee
Chair → Chair & Trustee, 2021
Chair & Trustee → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ellia M. Thompson Esq.
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Franco M. Terango
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jay P. Sonbolian
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Thornton Wieland
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Z. Wasserman
Trustee
Vice Chair → Trustee, 2020
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Madeline J. Taft
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marc L. Sallus
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard A. Lichtenstein
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Slash
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wendy M. Denham MD
Trustee
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alma Banuelos
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Esther S. Chao
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alfred Fraijo Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Courtney Appell
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vivian Chow
Trustee
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin T. Enbody
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael D. Armstrong
Trustee
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Grant Withers
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marlyn Gates Day
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel J. Enoch
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shainaz Donnelly Burg
Trustee
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Morgan Roth
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Randy Strait
Trustee
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Woolley
Associate Vice President for Advancement
Senior Director Development → Senior Director & Development, 2022
Senior Director & Development → Associate Vice President for Advancement, 2023
On filings since 2019
37.5 hrs/week
$143K (2019) → $185K (2025)
Janet Dial
Vice President of Advancement
On filings since 2023
37.5 hrs/week
$203K (2023) → $286K (2025)
Phyllis Kupferstein
Secretary
Secretary → Trustee & Secretary, 2024
Trustee & Secretary → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert J. Ellis
Vice Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2024
Trustee & Vice Chair → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matthew K. Wilson
Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2024
Trustee & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen O'Connell
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (41)
- Former: Thomas Jacobson (2020–2025) — Former President · Filing note: Until 923
- Former: Alan G. Lowy (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Anthony L. Kitchener (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Cassidy K. Horn (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Gregory D. Fuss (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Koi Kennedy (2019–2024) — Staff Accountant
- Former: Patricia Silver (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Sara Rodriguez (2019–2024) — Vice President, Special Events & Operations · Filing note: Until 424
- Former: Tyler K. Kelley (2019–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Malissia Clinton (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Patricia A. McKenna (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Heather A. Evans (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Randy Hua (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Alysha Hilliard (2019–2023) — Vice President of Marketing
- Former: Diann H. Kim (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jillian R. Chaves (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Richard Corgel (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Gretchen Humbert (2020–2023) — Vice President & CFO
- Former: Naomi K. Rodriguez (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Alexis Miller Buese (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Betty White Ludden (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Eugenia Vasels-Randel (2019–2022) — V.p. & Institutional Advancement
- Former: Michael Bustamante (2019–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Michael Wandell (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Steve O'Connell (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Matt Wilson (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Osborne Scott (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Sam Enoch (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Terrie Soderstrom (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Angela Yim-Sullivan (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Laura Kaplansky (2019–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Cathy Arkley (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Connie Morgan (2019–2020) — President
- Former: Hugh Miller (2019–2020) — V.p. & CFO
- Former: James K. Bray (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Martin Marcuse (2019–2020) — Director of Information Systems
- Former: Rob Ellis (2019–2020) — Trustee
- Former: Dana Walden (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Janice Frazier (2019) — Director of Corporate & Foundation
- Former: Paulette Heath (2019) — Trustee
- Former: Tracy Cohen (2019) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $286K, to Janet Dial (VP of Advancement). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association
How much does Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association give each year?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association gave $8.4M across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $8.5M across 12 grants.
What is Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's typical grant size?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's median grant in 2025 was $77,996, and its average grant was $843,569, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association give grants?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association gives mostly in California: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (5 grants) and Baltimore, MD (2 grants).
Does Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association give general operating support?
Yes: 10% of Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 10) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's largest grantees?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's largest 2025 grantees include Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens City of Los Angeles Dept of the Zoo ($8,390,691 across 5 grants), Assoc Zoos & Aquariums ($30,000 across 2 grants) and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ($5,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990.
How large is Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association reported $55.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $21.3M.
What does Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association fund?
The filing refers to Schedule O for the organization’s mission, but no mission statement is provided here. The funder’s filing says its endowment supports GLAZA and zoo operations and programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association?
The filing says zoo curators and officials recommend proposed conservation grants to senior zoo staff. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's EIN?
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-2369545. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 23, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 23, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 26, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 2, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 25, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 6, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 17, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common
Educational Credit Management Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
Educational Credit supports postsecondary access and student success, including FAFSA assistance, financial education, and student-support programs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $55,383, though amounts varied widely; funding was concentrated in Minnesota, with grants also reaching other states. The profile states that ECMC Foundation accepts unsolicited requests through a rolling online Letter of Inquiry process.
Assets
$209.1M
Grants
293
Total Given
$177.0M
Henry L Guenther Foundation
Seal Beach, CA
The Henry L. Guenther Foundation funds charitable services that improve human welfare, including medical care, youth opportunities, education, housing, and humanitarian projects. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000, and primarily benefit California residents, especially in Southern California. It accepts online applications from qualified charitable organizations serving Californians; individuals cannot apply.
Assets
$115.9M
Grants
58
Total Given
$4.2M
Society for Conservation Biology
Washington, DC
SCB funds applied conservation biology projects at universities and other organizations, as well as conservation research awards and fellowships. Its 2025 grants ranged from $12,000 to $117,528, with a median of $111,185, and its programs and community are global; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.1M
Grants
15
Total Given
$1.2M
Mental Research Institute
Menlo Park, CA
The Mental Research Institute funds research and programs using systemic, interactional approaches to psychology, social systems, communication, and human relationships, including mental health and family-related work. Its 2025 grants ranged from $4,500 to $25,000, with a median of $20,000, and went to recipients in multiple states. Although its website describes a rolling application process, its 2024 filing says it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$11.3M
Grants
33
Total Given
$560K
The University of British Columbia
UBC primarily supports post-secondary education, research, teaching and learning, Indigenous initiatives, and community-university partnerships, with many programs restricted to UBC teams or eligible partners. Its 2025 filing reported 18 grants totaling about $1.55 million, ranging from $19,947 to $364,334; funding programs include awards of up to $200,000. Its mission spans British Columbia, Canada and the world, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$6.2B
Grants
18
Total Given
$1.5M
Robert and Mildred Holmes
Gallup, NM
The foundation funds education scholarships, including memorial basketball scholarships for eligible Gallup students, and medical research. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, typically $1,000, supporting recipients in several states; it contributes only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$743K
Grants
12
Total Given
$17K
More similar funders
More Funders in California
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association'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.
Greater Los Angeles Zoological Association down — hundreds of funders to go?