Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

• What is your mission?

  The mission of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is to provide private support to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas.

• How are donations used?

  In keeping with its mission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation secures private funding through gifts and grants for transformational projects supported by sound science with measurable results and meaningful impact that would not be possible without the philanthropy of generous Texas citizens and foundations. Private funds are secured to address strategic priorities that were developed in conjunction with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and answer the most pressing challenges of the Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.

  As the official nonprofit funding partner of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWF occupies a unique position in the field, amplifying available public funding with private support for large-scale, transformational projects above and beyond TPWD’s day-to-day operations. Because TPWD oversees an expansive scope of responsibilities, from conservation to recreation, education, wildlife management, and law enforcement through the Texas Game Wardens, TPWF can leverage private funds for a wider variety of projects. TPWF is also the only Texas-based organization solely dedicated to funding the expansion and enhancement of large-scale publicly accessible natural areas.

• What is the history of your organization?

  Since its inception in 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has raised more than $190 million in private philanthropy to ensure the future of Texas' wild things and wild places. TPWF raises its own operating dollars from three primary sources: proceeds from our annual Texas Conservation Hall of Fame event, online donations and memberships, and grants from individuals, foundations, and corporations. These funding streams support TPWF’s ability to impact transformational projects while ensuring that 100% of program/project designated donations are allocated for their intended purpose.

  In addition to TPWF's nearly 30 years of experience in raising private funding to support transformational projects, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been stewarding Texas' lands, waters, and wildlife for over 50 years.

  In 2014, TPWF launched “Keeping it Wild: The Campaign for Texas” to raise more than $100 million in private funds, advancing our state’s proud traditions of conservation, stewardship, and outdoor recreation. To date, $96.9 million has been committed.