The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s story has always been one of resilience—from Dian’s perseverance in the mountains of Rwanda to our unwavering presence through every challenge since.
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
The Resiliency Fund is a new way for supporters to invest boldly in that enduring spirit. It gives us the flexibility to respond swiftly to urgent challenges and seize opportunities that accelerate conservation impact. This fund fuels both immediate action and long-term strength—ensuring we can continue Dian Fossey’s legacy no matter what the future brings.
Join us in carrying forward Dian Fossey’s legacy of resilience—protecting gorillas and the planet we share, today and for generations to come.
Frequently asked questions
Why did you create the Resiliency Fund?
The Resiliency Fund was established to ensure the Fossey Fund can respond rapidly to change and remain strong in the face of adversity. Conservation work never stands still—health crises, political unrest, and extreme weather can disrupt progress, while exciting scientific and conservation breakthroughs demand quick action. This fund allows us to do both.
Why “Resiliency”?
Resilience is at the heart of who we are. Dian Fossey never gave up despite immense personal and environmental challenges, and that same spirit drives us today. Our teams have remained steadfast through regional, environmental, and global challenges—continuing our mission no matter the conditions. Resilience also means seizing opportunities—like expanding to monitor new gorilla groups or building new research infrastructure when funding and partnerships align.
How is this different from my annual gift?
Your annual gift supports our ongoing daily work—keeping trackers in the field, scientists in the field and labs, and students in the classroom. The Resiliency Fund provides strategic flexibility, enabling us to pivot, adapt, and invest when challenges or opportunities arise that fall outside the scope of our annual budget.
Is this an endowment?
No. The Resiliency Fund is not an endowment. It is a board-governed, flexible fund that allows us to deploy resources immediately where they are most needed or most impactful. It balances short-term responsiveness with long-term strength.
What kinds of projects could my gift support?
Emergency response to security or environmental disruptions to keep our staff, gorillas, and communities safe.
Expanding field presence to protect new gorilla groups as they form.
Supporting communities during climate-related crises with food, water, and other essentials to prevent forest dependence.
Investing in new scientific tools, technologies, and partnerships that advance our mission.
Strengthening our operational capacity to remain agile and effective for decades to come.
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Absolutely. The Resiliency Fund was designed to be a lasting tribute. You can make a gift in someone’s name to celebrate a milestone, remember a loved one, or honor a shared commitment to protecting gorillas and our planet.
Why does the Fossey Fund need a Resiliency Fund now?
Our work has grown significantly, and the challenges facing gorillas and their habitats are evolving faster than ever. This fund ensures we can remain strong, agile, and ready — protecting what Dian Fossey started more than 50 years ago and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
How can I make a gift?
Gifts to the Resiliency Fund can be made as a one-time or multi-year commitment, or through planned giving arrangements such as bequests or beneficiary designations.
How will the funds be managed?
Spending will require approval from the Board Finance Committee, who will oversee the management and investment of the fund. A portion of the fund would be liquid to be able to respond to immediate needs.
