Sacramento Zoological Society
The Sacramento Zoological Society is a public charity based in Sacramento, California. It raises funds for the Sacramento Zoo, supporting animal care, education and conservation programs.
Sacramento Zoological Society at a glance
In short: Sacramento Zoological Society gave $138K across 12 grants in 2024 (avg $12K), top state Florida. 50% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $138,000
- +98.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 12
- +140.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $11,500
- -17.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $7,500
- Total assets
- $27,399,520
- +4.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (6 of 12, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Florida (25% 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 Sacramento Zoological Society
- Contact
Mailing address: 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
Phone: (916) 808-2684
Website: https://saczoo.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Sacramento Zoological Society funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Okapi Conservation Project ($27K). Together the top 10 received $128K.
Grant Size Distribution
32 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 32 grants of 32 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states. The largest reported shares were Florida (25%), Virginia (22%), North Carolina (16%), California (11%) and Kansas (7%). These figures describe the locations of grant recipients, not necessarily the locations of the conservation work.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Sacramento Zoological Society open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 6 of 12 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $17K 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $19K (2020) to $138K (2024). In 2024 it made 12 grants totaling $138K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Okapi Conservation Project Jacksonville, FL | Conservation | $26,750 |
| International Rhino Foundation Strasburg, VA | Conservation | $25,250 |
| Wild Nature Institute Weaverville, NC | Conservation | $22,750 |
| Sedgwick Co Zoo Wichita, KS | Conservation | $10,250 |
| The University Foundation at Sacramento State Sacramento, CA | Conservation | $8,250 |
| Madagascar Fauna Group Naples, FL | Conservation | $7,750 |
| Rhode Island Zoological Society Providence, RI | Conservation | $7,250 |
| Snow Leopard Conservancy Sonoma, CA | Conservation | $6,750 |
| Red Panda Network Eugene, OR | Conservation | $6,750 |
| Saint Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO | Conservation | $5,750 |
Ready to take the next step with Sacramento Zoological Society?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $27,399,520 | $12,366,549 | $11,859,690 | $138,000 | 12 | $233,559 |
| 2023 | $26,288,107 | $13,680,062 | $12,660,940 | $69,525 | 5 | $190,875 |
| 2022 | $24,428,099 | $13,151,636 | $10,041,851 | $43,900 | 5 | $250,838 |
| 2021 | $22,939,033 | $14,099,663 | $7,852,572 | $60,807 | 7 | $733,337 |
| 2020 | $16,807,562 | $6,770,865 | $6,806,935 | $19,207 | 3 | $257,738 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Society’s mission is to inspire appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation. Its 2024 filing describes programs in animal care, membership and visitor services, education and sustainability, as well as conservation grant support.
The Society’s 2024 grants were reported for conservation. Listed recipients include organizations whose own missions address wildlife protection and habitat conservation. For example, Wildlife Conservation Global operates the Okapi Conservation Project, which works with conservation authorities and local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect species in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. The Red Panda Network describes programs supporting communities in protecting red panda habitat. The Sedgwick County Zoological Society describes work in animal care, community engagement and conservation initiatives.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Society reported 12 grants totaling $138,000. Grant amounts ranged from $5,250 to $26,750, with a median of $7,500. All 12 listed grants had conservation as their stated purpose.
Notable 2024 grants included $26,750 to Okapi Conservation Project, $25,250 to International Rhino Foundation, $22,750 to Wild Nature Institute, $10,250 to Sedgwick County Zoo, and $8,250 to The University Foundation at Sacramento State. Other listed recipients included Madagascar Fauna Group ($7,750), Rhode Island Zoological Society ($7,250), Snow Leopard Conservancy ($6,750), Red Panda Network ($6,750), Saint Louis Zoo ($5,750), Claws Conservancy ($5,250) and Galapagos Conservancy ($5,250).
The Society’s 2024 filing says grant recipients are required to provide detailed reporting on the use of grant funds and the overall status and success of the project.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing listed Elizabeth Stallard as president, Sue Schoenig as secretary and Jason Russell CPA as treasurer. It listed David Yee, Janice Doucet Thompson EDD, Patricia Ingoglia, Lynn Matsuda, Jennifer Neal, Carrieann Drenten MD and Nick Driver as trustees.
Sacramento Zoological Society is led by Jason Jacobs, Executive Director & CEO on every filing since 2020; 7 of 22 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jason Jacobs
Executive Director & CEO
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$148K (2020) → $215K (2024)
Elizabeth Stallard
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt McKim
Director of Animal Care, Health & Facilities
On filings since 2022
45 hrs/week
$122K (2022) → $145K (2024)
Ann Geiger
Director of Institutional Marketing
New on the 2024 filing
45 hrs/week
$101K (2024)
Daniel Oney
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janice Doucet Thompson EdD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Neal
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Matsuda
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nick Driver
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Ingoglia
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Stapler
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Art Scotland
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carrieann Drenten MD
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dustin Hollingsworth
City Representative & Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Renu Rehal MD
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Yee
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Churchill
COO & CFO
CFO → COO & CFO, 2022
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$123K (2020) → $190K (2024)
Lisa Clement
Senior Development Officer
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$105K (2023) → $101K (2024)
Melissa McCartney
Senior Manager Animal Car & Health
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$110K (2023) → $118K (2024)
Shauna Ross
Capital Campaign Manager
On filings since 2023
45 hrs/week
$109K (2023) → $128K (2024)
Jason Russell CPA
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sue Schoenig
Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (12)
- Former: Matt Graham (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Peter Colussy (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Lesley Kirrene (2022–2023) — Director of Institutional Marketing
- Former: Walter Hess (2020–2022) — Docent President
- Former: Chrysa Demos (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Adham Sbeih (2020) — 1st Vice President
- Former: Alan Yee MD (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jody Ulich (2020) — City Representative & Director
- Former: Michael Broughton (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Mike Testa (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Nancy Cole (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Starr Hurley (2020) — 2nd Vice President
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 $215K, to Jason Jacobs (Executive Director/CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Sacramento Zoological Society
How much does Sacramento Zoological Society give each year?
Sacramento Zoological Society gave $138K across 12 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $70K across 5 grants.
What is Sacramento Zoological Society's typical grant size?
Sacramento Zoological Society's median grant in 2024 was $7,500, and its average grant was $11,500, across 12 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Sacramento Zoological Society that year got $7K on average.
Where does Sacramento Zoological Society give grants?
Sacramento Zoological Society's top state is Florida, with 25% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Virginia (22%) and North Carolina (16%).
Does Sacramento Zoological Society give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Sacramento Zoological Society's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Conservation" (12 grants).
Who are Sacramento Zoological Society's largest grantees?
Sacramento Zoological Society's largest 2024 grantees include Okapi Conservation Project ($26,750), International Rhino Foundation ($25,250) and Wild Nature Institute ($22,750), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Sacramento Zoological Society?
Sacramento Zoological Society reported $27.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $12.4M.
What does Sacramento Zoological Society fund?
The Society’s mission is to inspire appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation. Its 2024 filing describes programs in animal care, membership and visitor services, education and sustainability, as well as conservation grant support. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Sacramento Zoological Society?
Sacramento Zoological Society has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check saczoo.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Sacramento Zoological Society's EIN?
Sacramento Zoological Society's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-2861667. 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 November 13, 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 November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Sacramento Zoological Society's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Zoological Society of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
The Zoological Society of Cincinnati funds wildlife conservation, including endangered-species research, habitat protection, species reintroduction, and community coexistence, through local and international projects. In 2025, its 14 grants ranged from $7,000 to $106,000, with a median of $20,000. The stated grant programs are for Zoo staff, affiliates, or eligible students; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$330.4M
Grants
14
Total Given
$388K
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
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Sacramento Zoological Society funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/sacramento-zoological-society-morg_64dbd25457764c198e9d47945bfb3253
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_942861667_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Sacramento Zoological Society funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/sacramento-zoological-society-morg_64dbd25457764c198e9d47945bfb3253},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 Sacramento Zoological Society'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.
Sacramento Zoological Society down — hundreds of funders to go?