Trusts and major individual support
The success of many of our projects around the world is made possible by the generous support of trusts, foundations and major individual supporters. In addition to financial backing, this special group also give us their time and expertise.
Guardian's programme
WWF’s Guardians programme was launched in 1994. This group of committed supporters, who each donate a minimum of £1,000 a year to a specially selected programme, have so far raised more than £2.6 million. They have helped secure critical panda, tiger and snow leopard habitats, assisted in the protection of vital freshwater sources in east Africa and thrown their considerable weight behind the continuing struggle to save the Arctic wilderness.
This year the Guardians have turned their attention to the Heart of Borneo – the one remaining place in South-east Asia where tropical rainforests can still be conserved on a large scale. Borneo enjoys a distinct and varied animal and plant life, but the island is under serious threat from illegal logging, conversion to palm oil plantations and an increasing illegal wildlife trade. The Guardians' support will contribute to species conservation, and to the wellbeing of the Bornean people.
Conservation champions
Meanwhile, WWF’s Conservation Champions Club – individuals who donate £5,000-plus to WWF – goes from strength to strength. In addition to their financial contributions, members champion our cause within their own business and political networks. This year the Conservation Champions Club helped ensure the continuation of a number of crucial programmes including our freshwater work in Ruaha.
Trusts and foundations
Once again this year we have received essential support from trusts and foundations. Their generosity has supported many projects including our work in Borneo and Bhutan. In addition, donations towards our Nepal Memorial Fund will secure the future of the Eastern Himalayan programme and establish university scholarships for people from rural communities in the Himalayas.
In return for their commitment, trusts and major individual supporters are invited to special WWF events where our conservation experts and other specialists provide details on our latest project work. We also offer the opportunity to book a 'Seeing is Believing' trip to observe at first hand our conservation work in action. In the year ahead we are offering trips to Nepal and Rwanda.