Rainforest Trust preserves threatened areas through the establishment of public and private nature reserves managed by our experienced local conservation partners.

In order to protect large areas that are not for sale, we support the creation and protection of government-owned reserves.

In this case, Rainforest Trust’s goal is to create officially designated protected areas that are declared national parks or reserves by government decree. Rainforest Trust donations enable our in-country conservation partners to develop and implement long-term protection plans, which involve the active participation and support of local and indigenous communities.

Donations to Rainforest Trust are not symbolic. Thanks to the generous support of our Board members and other supporters who cover all of our operating expenses, Rainforest Trust is able to allocate 100% of donations to conservation action.

Each project donation protects real rainforest acres and saves endangered species. We focus on tangible results. Your contribution does not support lobbying, political activities, or special interests.

For over 30 years, Rainforest Trust is proud to have maintained minimal overhead thanks to our small, dedicated, and passionate team of conservationists. For our size and achievements, Rainforest Trust is one of the most efficient international conservation NGOs in the United States.

Our 2017 operating expenses, which include administration and development costs, composed only 4.27% of our total expenditure. See our 990 and audited financial statements online.

Charity Navigator consistently awards Rainforest Trust its highest 4-star rating due to our outstanding cost efficiency.

Our conservation actions focus on the purchase and permanent protection of critical habitat for the most endangered species across the tropics. We do this efficiently and most effectively by supporting experienced in-country, community-based organizations that have a track record of achievement. We also undertake rainforest conservation outreach to raise public awareness.

Another conservation strategy is to purchase land directly from a private owner.  These acres are used to create or enlarge an existing reserve, which is then managed by one of our local conservation partners.

Even purchasing a small number of acres can protect a much larger surrounding area. For example, a strategic purchase may block access to unprotected rainforest, sparing it from logging, mining or oil exploration. In other cases, the creation of private reserves can act as a catalyst for the eventual establishment of larger public reserves.

While Rainforest Trust raises the necessary funds to protect real acres in real places, neither Rainforest Trust nor our donors own them. The acres are ultimately bought and preserved as nature reserves by Rainforest Trust’s local conservation partners.

A national park or reserve given protected status by a foreign government may require active protection by non-governmental organizations, but it is not owned by the NGOs; it belongs to the government.

In most cases, we can’t share the exact location of a project on a map. However, after a protected area is established, and especially if our partner is using ecotourism to sustain the property, we will share the location at that time.

Rainforest Trust and our local partners develop a management plan aimed at securing protection in perpetuity. Each project, because of its urgency and degree of threat, comes with a unique set of challenges, but long-term conservation of the land and its wildlife is always the ultimate objective.

In addition to land protection, Rainforest Trust helps develop forms of sustainable and environmentally friendly income activities, especially ecotourism, for local communities.

The essential element of all our projects is that we work with local people to educate them about the landscapes and empower them to save the wildlife that surrounds them.

By involving local conservationists and communities, we considerably reduce the risk of encroachment. In many cases, local people are aware of nearby threats and can avoid potential conflicts. We believe that providing employment for local people is an effective method to ensure long-term security for the land and its wildlife.

Every potential project that comes to Rainforest Trust is thoroughly evaluated based on a set of project selection criteria. This includes consideration of the price per acre, biodiversity, environmental health assessments, actual and potential threats, and the partner’s ability to provide ongoing protection. The in-depth review ensures that the land that is purchased is of high conservation value and will meet our standards for long-term protection.

Our work would not be possible without the ongoing partnerships we maintain with outstanding conservation organizations around the world. All projects are implemented by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Our partners are responsible for ongoing management of the land. They also engage in community outreach and education efforts such as helping train local residents to act as park guards, wildlife monitors and eco-guides. Visit Our Partners to learn more about these organizations and the work they do.

Whether you create a Crowdrise campaign, shop for Rainforest Trust gear or donate a vehicle, there are many ways you can help. Visit the Ways to Give page for more ideas on how you can be a part of conservation efforts.

Rainforest Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and does not sell merchandise. Products sold in our online shop are produced by Rainforest Trust’s partners in conservation and sustainability. They significantly support our work by helping to purchase and protect real acres of tropical rainforest. You can help protect acres of rainforest by purchasing from these corporations and organizations working to make a positive difference for our planet.

There are many ways Rainforest Trust can assist you and your school with helping to save threatened rainforest acres. Our Rainforest Ambassadors program not only fosters learning about the wonders of the rainforest through educational curricula, but also offers students the opportunity to protect it.