The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the Zoo’s impact as a driving force for the health and well-being of people, animals, and the planet by providing critical support and resources to fuel their mission.

Wildlife is facing an existential threat. Habitat loss, climate change, overfishing, and the illegal wildlife trade are all contributing to population decline. In fact, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% since 1970, and extinction is a very real possibility for many species. This loss of biodiversity, due largely in part to human activity, harms both our planet and humanity’s future. When you become a donor to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, you not only fund critical conservation efforts in the wild, but you connect our communities to wildlife — and help inspire lifestyle changes and philanthropy that help save wildlife for today and tomorrow.  

You can accelerate the Zoo’s conservation efforts when you join a Minnesota Zoo Foundation Giving Community. You'll enjoy exciting donor benefits that bring you closer to our mission while providing the Zoo with critical funding and resources that help save wildlife. Visit our Giving Communities page to find the right community for you. Further your support when you give on a monthly basis! You'll spread your financial investment across the year while providing a steady stream of support that better helps us plan, budget, and address unanticipated needs.

We are sincerely grateful for donor support, and we aim to bring our donors closer to the mission they invest in. Depending on a donor’s giving level, we offer special benefits to express our appreciation and deepen donor connection to the Minnesota Zoo. Please take a moment to explore the full range of these exclusive donor benefits by visiting our Giving Communities page. Your contribution not only makes a difference but also helps you become more engaged in our mission. Thank you for your invaluable support!

The Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation carefully track their finances. Annual Reports, audits, and 990 tax forms can be reviewed on our Annual Reports and Financial Statements page.

The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which requires us to meet rigorous standards in all areas including finances.

As a donor, you will receive the Minnesota Zoo Foundation’s quarterly donor newsletter reporting on the impact of your support.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Zoo often so you can see your contributions making a real difference!

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 non-profit established to manage fundraising efforts and donor relationships on the Zoo’s behalf, so all gifts in support of the Zoo come through the Foundation. The Minnesota Zoo is a state agency and focuses its efforts on running the many other aspects of the Zoo

We process donations and activate donor-member benefits as quickly as we are able. Please allow our staff up to 10 business days from the time we receive your donation to activate your donor membership. If you are making plans to visit the Zoo, please reach out to us and we can ensure your membership is active on your member record, which will be required in order to access member pricing. Donor benefits are subject to change without notice, may not be exchanged, and have no monetary value.

To renew your donor membership go to MNZoo.org/FriendsRenew.

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email or mailed donation receipt as your official record. Some types of transactions (such as event tickets, event-related transactions, etc.) may have a fair market value that impacts the tax-deductible portion of your gift. Please review your emailed receipt or physical acknowledgment letter for details about your specific gift, and always consult your tax advisor of your situation.

Please consult your tax advisor. The Minnesota Zoo Foundation thanks you for considering directing a gift from your Donor Advised Fund, however per IRS regulations we are unable to provide charitable tax language in your acknowledgement, as funds are controlled by the donor-advised fund (DAF), not the household. 

Checks can be made payable to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and mailed to:

Minnesota Zoo Foundation
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124

Yes, funds from a Donor Advised Fund may be used as a donation and the household may receive a Friends membership to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Minnesota Zoo Foundation membership benefits are considered disregarded per IRS regulations, and as such are not a “benefit” received by the household who directed DAF funds.

Yes! Click here to view our gift acceptance policy.