Burbank, Calif., September 21, 2011 — The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) awarded $2 million to conservation projects around the globe in 2011, the highest amount ever contributed in a single year. This year’s DWCF grant recipients, who include notable conservation organizations like the Jane Goodall Institute and World Wildlife Fund, are helping to preserve habitats, protect endangered species, foster kids’ connections to nature and ensure future generations can enjoy wildlife and wild places.
“We are so grateful for Disney’s commitment to conservation, as this commitment will help ensure a future for the animals and habitats that we cherish,” said Tracy Lee, senior vice president of philanthropy at the Jane Goodall Institute.
“This year’s $2 million milestone is testament to Disney’s commitment to protect the planet and help create connections between kids and nature around the world in 40 countries,” said Dr. Beth Stevens, Senior Vice President, Disney Corporate Citizenship, Environment & Conservation. “We are grateful to the many scientists, educators and community conservationists who devote their lives to conservation and are very proud to work with our guests, fans, employees and cast members to help ensure a better future for our planet.”
2011 DWCF Grants
Highlights of the nearly 100 projects supported in 2011 include:
- National Audubon Society– “Shorebird Conservation in The Bahamas”: Creating environmental education opportunities for Bahamian communities on the importance of migratory shorebird nesting sites
- The Jane Goodall Institute– “Release of Wild Born Mandrills”: Re-introducing mandrills into the wild in the Republic of Congo to study and track the species
- The Nature Conservancy– “Establishment of the New RCW population”: Increasing population of the red-cockaded woodpecker in Florida
- World Wildlife Fund– “Chimpanzee Conservation Goes to School”: Organizing education and outreach activities among local communities in West Africa to protect chimpanzees
More than 250 projects proposals were submitted and reviewed. The programs selected for funding must address a critical conservation need, offer education and community engagement, an ability to influence decision makers and solid scientific investigation.
Since 1995, DWCF has awarded nearly $18 million to support conservation programs in 111 countries. For a complete list of grant recipients and to view The Walt Disney Company’s most recent Conservation Report, visit www.disney.com/conservation.
Learn more about Disney’s citizenship efforts at www.disney.com/citizenship.