Frequently Asked Questions
Defenders of Wildlife receives thousands of calls and emails each month. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you need additional assistance contact us directly.
Can't find the answer to your questions?
Contact Us:National Headquarters
1130 17th St NW
Washington DC 20036
1-800-385-9712
- Q: Does Defenders offer a credit card?
A: Yes! Bank of America offers a Defenders of Wildlife Bank of America® Cash Rewards Visa® credit card. You can help save wildlife and earn cash back on every purchase made on your Defenders of Wildlife credit card.
Get more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit card application. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A.
- Q: Does Defenders offer checking or savings accounts?
A: Bank of America offers eligible checking and savings accounts to supporters of Defenders of Wildlife. Bank of America will make a $10 contribution to Defenders when you open your qualifying Bank of America Defender of Wildlife checking account.†
†Deposit products and services are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.
- Q: I didn't get my cash rewards bonus on my Defenders credit card through Bank of America. What should I do?
A: Please contact Bank of America customer service at 800-421-2110 to inquire about your reward.
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Q: I ordered checks from Classic Checks, but haven't received them yet. What should I do?
A: If you placed your order through Check Gallery/Classic Checks, please call their customer service department toll-free 1-800-354-3540. If you placed your order through Message!Products, please call their customer service department toll-free 1-800-243-2565.
- Q: What does Defenders of Wildlife do?
A: Defenders' mission is to protect species and the habitats upon which they depend. In doing so, we focus on preserving the health of our nation's rich biological heritage (biodiversity).
- Q: How long has Defenders been in existence?
A: Defenders of Wildlife was founded in 1947 and was originally called Defenders of Fur Bearers. Its primary mission was to preserve wild animals. Although our mission has broadened to include wildlife habitat and biodiversity, protecting wild animals, especially large carnivores, remains a central part of our mission.
- Q: Do you have any job openings?
A: Any open positions are posted on our web site. Job applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to the address listed in the job description.
- Q: Are internships available?
A: Yes. Defenders does offer both paid and unpaid internships throughout the year. To apply, send a resume and cover letter explaining why you are interested and when you will be available. Please enclose a short writing sample.
Internship Coordinator: Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
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- Q: Are there volunteer opportunities available?
A: Currently there are volunteer opportunities available in our office.
- Q: Why don't you team up with other organizations that do the same or similar work, like World Wildlife Fund, and become one large organization?
A: Defenders' main focus is restoring wolves to surviving former habitats in the lower 48 states and to prevent the extirpation of wolves in areas where they still exist. With the many threats to the environment, groups have been formed over the years to address other specific issues. We do work in coalitions with other environment groups on pressing threats to wildlife and habitat.
- Q: I would like to use a Defenders logo. How do I do this?
A: Please send an email to the attention of newsroom@defenders.org explaining how you want to use it. The logo is copyrighted and may not be used without express written permission.
- Q: I haven't received my "free gift" (plush animal, backpack etc.) yet. When will I get it?
A: On average it takes 6-8 weeks once your donation is processed for you to receive your free gift. In the meantime, you will receive an acknowledgment packet thanking you for your donation that includes address labels. You should receive your free gift several weeks after you receive this packet.
- Q: I renewed but I just got a another renewal notice in the mail.
A: If you recently renewed and you received a renewal notice, your renewal donation and the renewal notice may have crossed in the mail. If you sent your renewal donation more than two months ago and you are still receiving renewal notices, please contact us at 1-800-385-9712 and we will be happy to check on your membership.
- Q: How do I donate to Defenders of Wildlife?
A: You can securely join Defenders of Wildlife, renew your membership, or adopt an animal online. You can also donate over the phone by calling 1-800-385-9712. If you prefer, you can mail your donation (check or money order) to:
Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
The basic yearly membership dues are $20.00. However, for first-time members we offer an introductory membership rate of $15.00. Membership includes a year's worth of our award-winning Defenders magazine, a Defenders of Wildlife calendar, notecards, and many other membership benefits.
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- Q: How do I set up a gift membership?
A: A gift membership costs just $15, the same as our introductory membership rate. You can also adopt an animal as a gift for a friend or loved one online! Gift memberships and gift adoptions include a year's worth of our award-winning Defenders magazine. You can also donate over the phone by calling 1-800-385-9712. If you prefer, you can mail your donation (check or money order) to:
Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Please be sure to indicate that this is a gift and the name and address of the gift recipient. - Q: Are local chapters available to members of Defenders of Wildlife?
A: Defenders of Wildlife does not have any local chapters. We do have regional offices all over the United States as well as one in Mexico. Each office works on programs and issues that affect their specific region.
- Q: How do I make a memorial donation for someone or my pet?
A: You can make a memorial donation over the phone by calling 1-800-385-9712. If you prefer, you can send in a donation (check or money order) to:
Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Since so many of our supporters have pets, some choose to make memorial gifts in their pet's name. Please be sure to include the following information: your name and address, the name of the person or pet who has passed away, and where you would like an acknowledgment for the memorial gift to be sent (for example, an acknowledgment is usually sent to a family member).
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- Q: I don't live in the U.S., can I still donate?
A: Yes you can! You can mail your donation (check or money order in U.S. currency) to:
Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
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- Q: How do I change my address?
A: It's easy! Please e-mail membership@defenders.org or call Membership Services at 1-800-385-9712 and be sure to give us your name, your old address and your new address and we will update your membership record. Because of the long lead time for some of our postal mailings, it may be 30-45 days for the change to fully take effect. Email changes will take effect within a few days.
- Q: How can I stop getting so much mail?
A: Besides our magazine, we send mailings to supporters to let them know of new initiatives and to keep them up to date on our progress on an array of programs. Feel free to contact Membership Services at membership@defenders.org and let us know what you want to receive/don't want to receive. We want to honor your wishes.
If you are not a member or have never donated to Defenders of Wildlife, you can write to the following address to have your name removed from shared mailing lists:
Mail Preference Service
c/o the Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
- Q: How can I stop mail coming to someone else who has passed away or who no longer lives at my address?
A: To stop receiving mail addressed to someone who has passed away or to a previous resident, notify Defenders at membership@defenders.org.org and write to:
Mail Preference Service
c/o the Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735 - Q: Can I make automatic monthly donations?
A: Yes! You can join our monthly giving program to become a Wildlife Guardian and pledge to give a specific monthly donation to help protect wolves, big cats, polar bears, dolphins and other imperiled wildlife. You can make a gift by credit card, electronic funds transfer or check. Please call 877-682-9401 for more information.
- Q: How long will my membership be valid?
A: Membership runs on a calendar year basis and runs from January to December.
- Q: Will my information remain private?
A: Defenders of Wildlife does exchange or make its mail list available for rental to other organizations from which we feel you may have interest in receiving material. We do offer our members the option of being excluded from this practice. Please contact our Membership Services department at 1-800-385-9712 or membership@defenders.org and we will gladly honor your request to refrain from making your information available to others.
- Q: What is your adopt an animal program about?
A: Our wildlife adoption program gives you the opportunity to further support the protection of wildlife and their habitat. We have a variety of animals to choose from, including wolves, polar bears, tigers, jaguars, sea otters, and snowy owls. Your adoption will not only help pass on the legacy of conservation, but will help educate others on the importance of protecting these precious animals for generations to come. In addition, for each adoption you make, you will receive a certificate of adoption and plush animal for you to enjoy. Visit our Wildlife Adoption and Gift Center for more information.
- Q: What else can I do to help save wildlife?
A: To keep caring individuals like yourself informed of the latest wildlife and environmental news we've created Defenders Wildlife eNews.
Over 250,000 wildlife supporters now receive this exclusive monthly e-newsletter and the periodic alerts we send when we need them to contact their legislators or federal officials.
We'd like to i nclude you as a member of the Defenders online community, so please sign up for Wildlife eNews today. - Q: How does Defenders use my donation?
A: Long known for our leadership on endangered species issues, Defenders of Wildlife is a solution-oriented organization dedicated to saving rare animals and plants, conserving habitat and building a broad constituency for protecting wildlife and wild places.
We harness the skills and expertise of more than 100 scientists, wildlife specialists, educators, activists, economists and attorneys to work in the halls of Congress, state legislatures, the courts, local communities, and more than a dozen offices in North America.
We develop and advocate innovative solutions which will encourage conservation of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health. Through this multi-pronged approach of education, advocacy, research and litigation, we work specifically to:
Protect Native Animals and Plants: We develop and champion practical programs to save a wide variety of North American species, including keystone species such as gray wolves, grizzly bears, sea otters and jaguars.
Restore and Preserve Habitat: We promote progressive land-use strategies that safeguard key habitats such as wetlands, deserts, forests and grasslands from development and degradation.
Advocate for Environmental Legislation: We mobilize supporters and work with partners on the international, national, state and local levels to secure laws and policies that safeguard wild species and their habitats. - Q: Is my credit card information safe when I give online?
A: Defenders of Wildlife goes to great lengths to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of any personal information you share with us over the Internet.
Our sitesuse Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology, the industry standard security technology, to safeguard your credit card and other financial information. Our donation pages display the Verisign Secure Site Seal to assure you that our Web site is authentic and that all transactions are secured by SSL encryption. If you are making a donation, the credit card information that you provide is used only to process your donation and will not be used by us for any other purposes.
If you have any questions, please contact us at myprivacy@defenders.org. - Q: How will my personal information be used?
A: Defenders of Wildlife goes to great lengths to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of any personal information you share with us over the Internet. Defenders of Wildlife does not sell or rent your email address or credit card information to anyone. Read our privacy policy to learn about the ways in which we may use personal information that you choose to provide.
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- Q: Can I take action on your site if I am not a U.S. resident?
A: In order to make all our congressional communications as effective as possible, you must be a constituent in order to send a message to a member of Congress. Since non-residents don't have representation in the U.S. Congress, you are not able to take congressional actions. You can, however, take our actions that target the US President, administration officials, corporate CEOs and others. Please visit the Action Center to find actions to such targets.
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- Q: Does Defenders of Wildlife participate in online communities like Facebook or YouTube?
A: Yes. Defenders can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr. We also have a blog and Medium publication.
Visit our Wildlife Advocate Center to find out how to get involved.
- Q: I saw something I thought was inappropriate on one of Defenders online community pages. What should I do?
A: As a progressive organization, Defenders of Wildlife supports the freedom of expression -- including maintaining a safe online space for people with opposing views to express themselves. Accordingly, we do not tolerate profanity, vulgarity, or threats of violence in any way, shape or form.
Help us maintain a respectful and safe space by letting us know. Send us an email at onlineabuse@defenders.org.
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- Q: I am a current member of Defenders of Wildlife, but I did not receive my Defenders magazine. How do I get a replacement copy?
A: Defenders magazine is mailed to members. When you join, your subscription will start with the next magazine that comes out. If you joined and have not received your magazine(s), please notify Defenders at 1-800-385-9712 or e-mail membership@defenders.org and we will send out a replacement copy.
- Q: How can I get copies of back issues of the Defenders magazine?
A: Back issues of Defenders magazine are available for $3 per magazine. Please call 1-800-385-9712 or e-mail membership@defenders.org to inquire about availability.
- Q: Can I purchase a magazine subscription for my local library?
A: Yes! Giving a gift membership to a library is a wonderful way to educate your community on wildlife issues. The library subscription rate is $20.00 for one year. You can give a gift library subscription by mailing your donation (check or money order) to:
Defenders of Wildlife
National Headquarters
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Please be sure to indicate that this a gift library subscription, and the name and address of the library. - Q: Is the magazine printed on recycled paper? Why don't you use alternative papers or higher content of recycled/post consumer paper?
A: Our magazine is printed on 10% post-consumer recycled paper. Paper is "glossy" in order to preserve the photo quality. Many places will recycle the magazine (or you can donate them to schools, libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.).
- Q: What is Defenders Wildlife eNews?
A: Defenders Wildlife eNews is a free monthly enewsletter that provides interesting news and features on what Defenders of Wildlife is currently working on and ways you can help protect wildlife and the habitat it needs to survive. Subscribe to Wildlife eNews.
- Q: I'm doing a report on (species). Can you send me information?
A: You can find fact sheets about many species on this site.
- Q: Can I reproduce Defenders' educational and information materials and magazine articles?
A: All Defenders' fact sheets can be copied, provided that they are not changed and that Defenders' logo and address are preserved on the copies. The entire magazine is protected by copyright. For information on copying magazine articles contact our editorial office.
- Q: Can I buy additional membership premiums?
A: Our membership premiums are not for sale. To make an additional donation in order to receive a particular item, call us on the Membership Services toll-free line at 800-385-9712 or visit our Wildlife Adoption & Gift Center.
- Q: How can I order more address labels?
A: The free labels that you received in the mail cannot be purchased. However, Defenders does make other versions of our address labels for purchase through Classic Checks. You may contact them by calling 1-800-354-3588.
- Q: Do other companies offer Defenders of Wildlife products for purchase?
A: Yes! Many of our Cause Related partners and their products can be found at our Online Marketplace.
- Q: I sent in a check for merchandise, but haven't received it yet. What should I do?
A: Please contact us toll-free at 1-800-385-9712.
- Q: What can I do to help wildlife in my state?
A: The best thing you can do to help wildlife is to get involved in local projects or issues and to contact your elected officials. To find out who your Representative is, call (202) 224-3121. To find out who your State Representative and State Senator is, call (518) 474-2121. You can also become a Defenders' activist and member, write letters to the editor of your local paper, and support wildlife conservation organizations. Visit our Action Center.
- Q: How do I become an activist?
A: Your voice is a critical component of achieving our goals at Defenders.
You can become an activist by signing up for our activist network. When you sign up you will receive information on how you can get involved to protect wildlife and conserve habitat including:- Information on legislation so you can contact your elected officials
- Information on events and activities in your area
- Information on public comment periods for wildlife decisions
- And much, much more
- Q: What is Defenders doing about animal abuse? Who can I call?
A: Although Defenders is concerned about the welfare of all animals, our mission is to protect endangered and threatened species and other native wildlife and the habitat upon which they depend.
There are a number of groups solely concerned with animal welfare/abuse issues. You can contact:
The Humane Society of the United States 202-452-1100
American Humane Association 303-792-9900
ASPCA 212-876-7700
Also check your phone book for a local branch of these groups.
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- Q: I have found a wild animal. What should I do with it?
A: Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator, humane society, or ASPCA. One of these should be able to help. Wildlife rehabilitators should be contacted especially if the animal/bird has been injured. Wildlife rehabilitators can often be located in the phone book under "wildlife" or "sanctuaries," or through your local humane association.
- Q: We are sponsoring a booth (for Earth Day or other event) and would like information about Defenders.
A: Contact us for materials at membership@defenders.org.
- Q: Is (animal) an endangered species?
A: Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website for more information on endangered species.
- Q: How do you feel about wolf hybrids?
A: Defenders does not have a specific policy statement regarding wolf hybrids. We do discourage people from keeping hybrids as pets, especially if small children will be around. All dogs are unpredictable; this is especially true of some hybrids. Caution and care are to be taken when raising/handling wolf hybrids.
- Q: Can I get a copy of your financial statement/annual report?
A: Our latest annual report and financial information are available on our web site. For a bound copy of the annual report call Membership Services at 1-800-385-9712 or e-mail membership@defenders.org.
Defenders also makes reports to state agencies that monitor non-profit activities. Our audit is conducted annually by the respected firm of Lane and Company.
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- Q: What is Defenders official name and/or tax ID number?
A: Defenders of Wildlife, a "not-for-profit" organization incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia, and having its principal office in Washington, DC. Our tax ID # is 53-0183181.
- Q: What is your tax status and what does it mean?
A: Defenders of Wildlife is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. This means that Defenders meets the IRS requirements for tax exemption, and qualifies to be a recipient of tax-deductible contributions.
- Q: Where does Defenders get most of its money (or contributions)?
A: Most of Defenders' income comes from membership dues, additional contributions, and legacy gifts from our caring supporters. The rest is received in the form of foundation grants, memorial gifts, and large individual gifts.
- Q: Would Defenders be interested in purchasing my property? Or in managing my property as a refuge if I gave it to you?
A: Sorry, no. The Nature Conservancy accepts certain real estate donations and both the Conservancy and the Wildlife Land Trust have programs that will manage property as refuges. The Conservancy's number is 1-800-628-6860. The Trust's number is 1-800-729-7283. The Nature Conservancy may be interested in purchasing the property if it has endangered species and is essential habitat.
- Q: How do I include Defenders in my will?
A: Many supporters wish to leave a legacy for wildlife for future generations. Feel free to contact our Director of Gift Planning on our toll-free legacy line at 1-800-915-6789. The legacy staff will send you the appropriate information.
- Q: Do you accept matching gifts from my employer?
A: Yes and it's very easy to do. You can go to www.matchinggifts.com/defenders/ and find out if your employer matches gifts to Defenders.
Stop by your personnel department for the correct form and information. Complete your section and mail the form to us and we'll do the rest. More and more of our supporters are using this easy way to double, even triple, their contributions.
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- Q: Do you participate in EarthShare?
A: Yes. EarthShare is the workplace giving vehicle for environmental organizations. Our EarthShare identification number is 0904. Learn more on our Workplace Giving page.
- Q: Do you participate in CFC?
A: Yes, we do participate in the CFC. Our CFC number is #10624. Learn more on our Workplace Giving page.
- Q: What is CFC?
A: The Combined Federal Campaign is the workplace giving campaign for federal employees. Donations are automatically deducted from an employee's paycheck each pay period and sent to Defenders. Find out how you can take part on our Workplace Giving page.
