The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continued its more than 20-year commitment to conservation by awarding more than $5 million in grants to support 76 organizations working to protect the nature around the world. Three of these grant recipients are conservation organizations working in India: Arulagam, International Fund for Animal Welfare and Panthera.
“The Walt Disney Company has a rich history of respecting, protecting and preserving our natural resources and wildlife; as such, we are proud to award these latest grants to people and organizations around the world that share our mission. Our donation directly supports efforts to save animals and habitats in critical ecosystems across the globe and inspires others to do the same,” said The Walt Disney Company Corporate Social Responsibility senior vice president Elissa Margolis.
Arulagam’s work focuses on the oriental white-rumped vulture. The organization engages with communities and stakeholders in South India through conservation programs to raise awareness of the positive impact of vultures for the ecosystem, and to protect vulture breeding habitats. The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s project aims to reduce human-elephant conflict and raise support for elephant conservation and protection in India. Meanwhile, Panthera, a global wild cat conservation organization, will work to educate villagers, children and religious figures about snow leopards and the threats they face in Northern India.
Since 1995, the DCF has directed more than $75 million to conservation organizations working in 120 countries and supported more than 2,000 conservation projects, helping more than 600 non-profit organizations working hand-in-hand with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. It has recognized 169 Disney Conservation Heroes for their efforts to protect wildlife living alongside their communities in 48 countries and have also worked to connect the expertise of more than 180 professionals from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment—from educators to veterinarians—to make a greater conservation impact on the ground.
Other grant recipients for this year include the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). DCF works with the Foundation and its partners to save critically endangered Sumatran rhinos from extinction in Indonesia. Sumadi Hasmaran has been recognized as a Disney Conservation Hero for his leadership in the establishment and management of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS)—a 250-acre breeding and research facility.
The majority of funding for DCF is provided by The Walt Disney Company and supplemented by the contributions of guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and other select Walt Disney World Resort locations, sailing with Disney Cruise Line or staying at select Disney Vacation Club resorts.