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Wildcat Foundation

Annual Giving
$17.0M
Grant Range
$50K - $1.0M

Wildcat Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $17 million (2021)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Africa (18 countries as of 2022, plus U.S. and Vietnam)

Contact Details

Address:
The Wildcat Foundation
c/o Sherri Conn
301 Commerce Street, Suite 3150
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Phone: (817) 871-4063

Email: info@wildcatfoundation.net

Website: https://www.thewildcatfoundation.us/

EIN: 45-6518655

Overview

The Wildcat Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation established by the late David Bonderman (1942-2024), co-founder of TPG Capital. The foundation received tax-exempt status in August 2014. Its mission is to help save and provide for the long-term conservation of endangered wildlife and wild places in Africa. In 2021, the foundation provided $17 million in grants, and by 2022 had $40 million in active grants across 18 African countries, the U.S., and Vietnam.

The foundation focuses on anti-poaching and wildlife conservation efforts, with particular emphasis on combating ivory and rhino horn trafficking. The Wildcat Foundation has been a strategic partner of African Parks since 2014, investing in eight parks across seven countries. Following David Bonderman's death in December 2024, his legacy continues through the foundation's ongoing support for critical conservation efforts across Africa.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers project grants with the following parameters:

  • Grant Range: $50,000 to $1,000,000
  • Project Duration: Up to 1 year (maximum 3 years)
  • Application Method: Invitation only (initial inquiry required)

The foundation prefers direct project costs with minimal overhead.

Priority Areas

Wildlife Conservation Focus:

  • Protecting rare and endangered species (particularly elephants and rhinos)
  • Preserving biodiverse ecosystems
  • Addressing immediate conservation threats
  • Anti-poaching initiatives and law enforcement
  • Developing and deploying technologies to empower wildlife rangers
  • Creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities affected by wildlife

Key Conservation Strategies:

  • Conservation law enforcement training and equipment
  • Technology integration (drone surveillance, monitoring systems)
  • Human-centered conservation approaches
  • Wildlife anti-trafficking projects across multiple countries
  • Infrastructure development for protected areas
  • Ranger salaries, training, and incentives

Recent Grant Areas (2023-2024):

  • Conservation law enforcement strategies in Garamba National Park (DRC)
  • Kafue National Park (Zambia)
  • Pendjari National Park (Benin)
  • W National Park (Benin)
  • North Luangwa National Park (Zambia)
  • Nsumbu National Park (Zambia)

What They Don't Fund

The foundation requires that organizations do not discriminate in their organizational practices. Based on its mission statement, the foundation does not fund:

  • Projects outside the scope of African wildlife conservation
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

Founder: David Bonderman (1942-2024), co-founder of TPG Capital and passionate advocate for environmental conservation. He served on the boards of The Wilderness Society, World Wildlife Fund, American Himalayan Foundation, and the Grand Canyon Trust.

Contact Person: Sherri Conn

Bonderman's Conservation Philosophy:
David Bonderman emphasized a holistic approach to conservation, famously stating: "If you can't make things work for the people, you won't make things work for the animals. You have to deal with both, the human side and the poaching side."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Wildcat Foundation accepts grant applications by invitation only. Organizations interested in grants should follow this process:

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry Contact the foundation via email (info@wildcatfoundation.net) or mail with a letter of inquiry (maximum 3 pages) including:

  • Requested funding amount
  • Overall project budget
  • Project summary
  • Goals and objectives
  • Project timeframe
  • Anticipated impact evaluation
  • Alignment with grant guidelines

Step 2: Full Proposal (If Invited) If invited to submit a full proposal after the initial inquiry, include:

  • Description of country's political stability
  • Discussion of government's commitment to conservation
  • Applicant's local experience and expertise
  • Qualifications of project personnel
  • Broader conservation context
  • Detailed project budget

Organizational Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
  • Must not discriminate in organizational practices

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis without fixed application deadlines.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation awarded 38 grants in 2019, 24 grants in 2018, and 28 grants in 2017.

Application Success Factors

Based on David Bonderman's public statements and the foundation's grant patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

1. Measurable Impact
Bonderman sought initiatives with "measurable positive impact." Applications should clearly articulate how success will be measured and evaluated.

2. Holistic, People-Centered Approach
The foundation values projects that address both wildlife protection and human community needs. As Bonderman stated: "Animals and local people live in close contact with each other, and if you can't make things work for the people, you won't make things work for the animals."

3. Technology Integration
The foundation supports innovative technological approaches, including drone surveillance, monitoring systems, and ranger equipment. However, technology should complement human efforts, not replace them.

4. Long-Term Conservation Vision
Projects should demonstrate potential for long-term conservation impact and sustainability beyond the grant period.

5. Local Expertise and Government Support
Applications must discuss the country's political stability, government commitment to conservation, and the applicant's local experience and expertise.

6. Portfolio Approach to Complex Problems
The foundation understands that "a portfolio of interventions is needed to address the complex array of issues that underpin poaching." Projects addressing multiple facets of conservation challenges are favored.

7. Strategic Partnerships
The foundation has demonstrated commitment to collaborative approaches, partnering with organizations like African Parks, Frankfurt Zoological Society, National Geographic, Wyss Foundation, Elephant Crisis Fund, and Lion Recovery Fund.

Recent Funding Examples:

  • $23 million partnership (2018) with Wyss Foundation, National Geographic, and others to protect Pendjari National Park
  • $527,160 two-year grant for North Luangwa Conservation Programme supporting law enforcement, scout salaries, training, vehicles, and aerial surveillance
  • Major support for National Whistleblower Center's Global Wildlife Whistleblower Program (2017)
  • Ongoing support (2023-2024) for conservation law enforcement in Garamba (DRC), Pendjari and W (Benin), and Kafue (Zambia)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Initial inquiry is essential: This is an invitation-only funder. Start with a concise 3-page letter of inquiry before expecting to submit a full proposal.

  • Emphasize both wildlife and human dimensions: Successful projects demonstrate how conservation efforts benefit both endangered species and local communities. Show you understand the interconnection between people and wildlife.

  • Demonstrate local expertise: The foundation values organizations with deep local experience, strong government relationships, and understanding of the political and social context.

  • Highlight measurable outcomes: Be specific about how you will measure success and evaluate impact. Vague goals will not suffice.

  • Consider technology thoughtfully: If proposing technological solutions (drones, monitoring systems, etc.), explain how they will enhance, not replace, human conservation efforts.

  • Think long-term: Even for 1-3 year grants, articulate how your project contributes to long-term conservation goals and sustainability.

  • Budget for direct project costs: The foundation prefers grants that go directly to project implementation rather than overhead expenses. Budget accordingly.

References

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