Letter from the President and CEO

It’s unavoidable when you turn on the news: Season after season, people and wildlife alike are enduring more frequent and intense climate-fueled disasters — fires, floods, hurricanes, and severe storms — with little time to react or rebuild. These storms are symptoms of the immense and interconnected climate and biodiversity crises that demand urgent and decisive action.  

Behind the headlines, the National Wildlife Federation has been bringing people together across geographies and generations to find solutions that help wildlife, people, and the planet thrive in our rapidly changing world. Our new strategic plan, finalized in 2024, affirms this commitment and charts an ambitious yet uplifting strategy for the next six years. I invite you to read our plan in detail to see how we aim to leverage the Federation’s unique strengths to tackle:  

Our multi-pronged approach reflects the interconnected challenges facing wildlife, people, and habitats, while lifting up frontline communities that have borne the brunt of environmental degradation. It also invests new energy into our enduring partnership with our 52 state and territorial Affiliates — the backbone of our One Federation. 

The National Wildlife Federation is also reaffirming our commitment to work as authentic allies with Sovereign Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. For generations, Indigenous Peoples have stewarded the wildlife, lands, and waters across the continent, and as a step toward righting the historic wrong that erasure has played in silencing them, the Federation in 2024 committed to embracing the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. We also formed a new Tribal Advisory Council composed of Indigenous leaders to show our commitment to a future where their wisdom is not only heard but is also respected and drives decision-making. 

This year’s Impact Report shows the cumulative strength of our One Federation as it continues to grow, thrive, and create a more sustainable future for current and future generations. I invite you to explore all the ways the Federation made progress and affected change through the framework of our three strategic pillars, transcendent principles, and One Federation Foundation. In some instances, these impacts took years to grow and nurture — much like our supporters, many of whom grew up reading Ranger Rick, are now parents themselves, and are instilling a love for the natural world in their children.  

Now more than ever, your support helps our team meet the needs of wildlife and the communities we serve. Thank you for your support in this mission-critical time. 

Collin O’Mara
President and CEO
National Wildlife Federation