International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc. is a public charity based in Boulder, Colorado. Founded in 1974, it supports leaders, communities, and networks working to protect and steward wilderness, including through conservation partnerships, education, and international policy engagement.
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc gave $1.1M across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $109K), mostly in Colorado. 60% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,085,599
- -50.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- +25.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $108,560
- -60.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,711
- Total assets
- $5,602,178
- -7.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 60% first-time grantees (6 of 10, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Colorado (53% 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 International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 717 Poplar Ave, Boulder, CO 80304
Phone: (303) 442-8811
Website: https://wild.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Earth Vision Institute ($549K). Together the top 10 received $1.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
35 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 35 (29%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Boulder, Colorado. Its 2024 grants went to recipients in Colorado (53% of grant dollars), Florida (25%), South Dakota (15%), Connecticut (4%), and Montana (2%). The filing also describes the Mali Elephant Project’s work in Mali’s Gourma region.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
60%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 10 grantees (60%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $36K; repeat grants $217K. How we count
Medians: $16K first-time, $151K repeat.
- 40% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+9%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). 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 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $997K (2021) to $2.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Vision Institute Boulder, CO | Research and Education | $549,178 |
| Wild Path Tampa, FL | Research and Education | $259,500 |
| Intertribal Buffalo Council Rapid City, SD | Research and Education | $109,000 |
| South Dakota State University Brookings, SD | Research and Education | $57,000 |
| Yale University New Haven, CT | Research and Education | $42,039 |
| Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife Department Browning, MT | Research and Education | $19,383 |
| Exposure Labs Boulder, CO | Research and Education | $17,000 |
| Clean Power Everywhere Boulder, CO | Research and Education | $13,300 |
| Sealegacy Foundation Jupiter, FL | Research and Education | $10,449 |
| Maliasili Initiatives Essex Junction, VT | Research and Education | $8,750 |
Ready to take the next step with International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The organization is classified as a public charity.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5,602,178 | $5,889,693 | $6,526,623 | $1,085,599 | 10 | $74,253 |
| 2023 | $6,078,197 | $6,729,565 | $5,451,440 | $2,205,858 | 8 | $9,025 |
| 2022 | $4,982,905 | $5,817,157 | $5,898,700 | $2,202,343 | 8 | $9,943 |
| 2021 | $5,098,795 | $6,043,308 | $5,462,152 | $997,342 | 4 | $18,539 |
| 2020 | $4,915,113 | $5,281,713 | $4,789,930 | $1,037,547 | 5 | $36,498 |
| 2019 | $3,919,289 | $4,510,284 | $4,314,833 | $1,117,186 | 5 | $62,387 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to equip leaders, communities, and networks to act for the benefit of wilderness and people, with the goal of a world abundant in wild nature and the well-being of all life. Its filing describes conservation collaborative agreements that support stewardship through fieldwork and educational campaigns, landscape restoration and rewilding, and the rematriation of species such as the American bison.
The filing also describes the Mali Elephant Project, which works with more than 50 communities in Mali’s Gourma region to restore and protect landscapes important to people and the region’s remaining desert elephant herd. The organization reports strengthening protection for 8 million hectares of elephant habitat annually. Its World Wilderness Congress convenes civil society participants to identify grassroots priorities and bring them to international decision-making bodies.
The 2024 grants included research and education support to conservation and other organizations. Among the grantees described in their own terms, SeaLegacy Foundation’s mission is to inspire people to love the ocean, amplify a global network of changemakers, and catalyze hands-on diplomacy through visual storytelling. MALIASILI Initiatives’ mission is to accelerate community-based conservation through local organizations.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the organization made 10 grants totaling $1,085,599. Grants ranged from $8,750 to $549,178, with a median of $30,711. All 10 listed grants were designated for research and education.
The largest awards were $549,178 to Earth Vision Institute in Boulder, Colorado; $259,500 to Wild Path in Tampa, Florida; $109,000 to Intertribal Buffalo Council in Rapid City, South Dakota; $57,000 to South Dakota State University in Brookings; and $42,039 to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Other listed recipients were Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife Department ($19,383), Exposure Labs ($17,000), Clean Power Everywhere ($13,300), SeaLegacy Foundation ($10,449), and MALIASILI Initiatives ($8,750).
The filing says grant reports describing use of funds and grantee financial statements are submitted and reviewed at least annually. No application instructions or unsolicited-request policy are stated in the available information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Joel Holtrop as chair, Clay Stranger as vice chair, and Edward Sanders as treasurer. Lindsay Ellis and Swati Hingorani are listed as co-secretaries. Directors listed are David Barron, Charlotte Baron, Lena Georgas, Kat Haber, and Johnathan Miller.
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc is led by Joel Holtrop, Chair on every filing since 2019; 2 of 13 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joel Holtrop
Chair
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amy Lewis
Managing Director, Policy & Campaigns
CEO → Managing Director, Policy & Campaigns, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$120K (2023) → $120K (2024)
Jennifer Meyer
Managing Director, Operations & Finance
COO → Managing Director, Operations & Finance, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$119K (2023) → $120K (2024)
Charlotte Baron
Director
Vice Chair → Director, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Barron
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Johnathan Miller
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kat Haber
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lena Georgas
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keith Sproule
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edward Sanders
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lindsay Ellis
Co-Secretary
Director → Co-Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Clay Stranger
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Swati Hingorani
Co-Secretary
Director → Co-Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Vance Martin (2019–2022) — President
- Former: Cristina Mittermeier (2019) — Director
- Former: Magalen Bryant (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 $120K, to Amy Lewis (Managing Director, Policy & Campaigns). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc
How much does International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc give each year?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc gave $1.1M across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.2M across 8 grants.
What is International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $30,711, and its average grant was $108,560, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc that year got $36K on average.
Where does International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc give grants?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc gives mostly in Colorado: 53% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Florida (25%) and South Dakota (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Boulder, CO (3 grants).
Does International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 10 grants with a stated purpose on International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research and Education" (10 grants).
Who are International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Earth Vision Institute ($549,178), Wild Path ($259,500) and Intertribal Buffalo Council ($109,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 85% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc reported $5.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.9M.
What does International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to equip leaders, communities, and networks to act for the benefit of wilderness and people, with the goal of a world abundant in wild nature and the well-being of all life. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check wild.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's EIN?
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7389749. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 31, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 28, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 20, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Colorado
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Chicago, IL
The MacArthur Foundation funds work advancing a more just, verdant, and peaceful world, including climate solutions, criminal justice, journalism, technology, and Chicago. In 2024, its grants had a median of $160,000, though awards ranged widely; it generally does not accept unsolicited requests, with possible exceptions for specific open calls or proposals that meet program guidelines.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
The Nature Conservancy
Arlington, VA
The Nature Conservancy funds conservation work, including land and easement acquisition, research, planning, organizational capacity, and sustainable agriculture, across the United States and internationally. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $31,000, with awards ranging from about $5,000 to $2.1 million; some regional programs offer grants of up to $100,000.
Assets
$10.1B
Grants
671
Total Given
$67.8M
Rockefeller Brothers Fund Inc
New York, NY
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund supports work on democracy, sustainable development and climate, and peacebuilding, as well as place-based efforts in China, Central America, and the Western Balkans and arts and culture in New York City. Its 2024 grants had a median of $60,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests, but rarely funds them—fewer than 1 percent result in funding.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
646
Total Given
$60.4M
The Anne Wojcicki Foundation
Los Altos, CA
The Anne Wojcicki Foundation supports charitable organizations across areas including biomedical research, education, poverty reduction, food access, and humanitarian response, though it does not state specific funding priorities. In 2024, it made 51 grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,032,247, with a median grant of $100,000; recipients were concentrated in California, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$593.3M
Grants
51
Total Given
$21.7M
Colorado Gives Foundation
Arvada, CO
Colorado Gives Foundation funds nonprofits serving Jefferson County in areas including food security, early care and education, workforce development, housing, health and convenient neighborhoods; it also offers statewide nonprofit capacity-building support. Typical giving varies widely: its 2024 median grant was $17,814, while Thriving Jeffco Responsive Grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $100,000. It accepts applications through listed grant opportunities, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$527.1M
Grants
2,211
Total Given
$91.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Colorado
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/international-wilderness-leadership-foundation-inc-morg_ad2b5e7ca260413c9df2876974c3a401
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237389749_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/international-wilderness-leadership-foundation-inc-morg_ad2b5e7ca260413c9df2876974c3a401},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. 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 International Wilderness Leadership Foundation 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.
International Wilderness Leadership Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?