SCI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. SCI Foundation ensures that the best available science is used in wildlife policy and management and demonstrates the constructive role that hunting and hunters play in the conservation of biodiversity around the world. The organization is First For Wildlife, investing millions of dollars into wildlife conservation and education every year.
The Conservation Department at SCI Foundation partners with academic institutions, community-based support organizations, and conservation non-governmental organizations to complete wildlife research and management projects all over the world. Since 2000, we have put over $70 million in hunter dollars to work on over 100 conservation projects in 30 countries. Some of our programs include:
- North America: SCI Foundation is a strong supporter of the North American Model of Wildlife Management and firmly believes that the hunter-conservationist is the key to future conservation efforts in North America. We have supported projects in 23 states and provinces involving a range of species. Recent foci have been on the interactions between hunted species and expanding predator populations, grizzly and black bear populations, and declining mule deer populations in the West and white-tailed deer in the upper Midwest.
- Africa: SCI Foundation has a long history of success in Africa. We work to support African states in managing their wildlife resources sustainably for the long-term benefit of their land, their people, and wildlife communities. We are currently supporting research to identify the most accurate and efficient methods to survey African lions and leopards so that these iconic species will continue to be conserved through sustainable use.
- Asia: Many central Asian countries are in the early stages of developing a sustainable use conservation model, but SCI Foundation has been present with our partners in the region since 2010. We support building capacity for local community-based conservation throughout the region, including projects in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
- Antipoaching: Illegal harvest for meat or body parts is a primary threat to many wildlife species worldwide, especially rhinoceros and elephant in Africa. SCI Foundation has supported antipoaching efforts all over the world through grants, partnerships, and capacity-building efforts.
- Matching Grants: The SCI Foundation supports SCI Chapters in their efforts to contribute toward conservation projects in their local areas. If a Chapter supports a research or management project, they can apply for matching funds from the Foundation to increase their impact. In 2018, the Foundation contributed over $30,000 to local conservation efforts through matching grants to the chapters.
The annual African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) is SCI Foundation's premier activity in Africa, bringing together a diverse group of international stakeholders, senior government delegates, professional hunting associations, policy experts and wildlife biologists. Discussions at this forum center on African wildlife issues and coordinating responses to current events.
Project Updates
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Featured Articles
Recent Conservation Articles
Bear Conservation Strategy Includes Reducing Bear Conflicts
Originally published in the May/June issue of Safari Magazine. By Maria Davidson, SCIF Conservation Program ManagerSafari Club International Foundation has identified science-based management of bear populations as a primary focus of its conservation programs worldwide. Bears and the sustainable management of bear populations in North America have been a focus of SCIF
Read MoreApex Elephants
African Savannah Elephants Thrive In Countries Where They Are Hunted Originally published in the May/June 2023 issues of Safari Magazine. By Al Weinert I had resigned myself to never getting an elephant. My journey started in 2018 when I booked a hunt with PH and good friend Dale “Donza” Desfountain.
Read MoreInternational Wildlife Museum’s 35th Anniversary
The Safari Club International Foundation’s International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, AZ celebrated its 35thAnniversary with an event on May 6th. Thanks to volunteers and over 30 other organizations helping in the celebration providing exhibits 650 participants attended the event. Admissions to museum included learning about wildlife conservation through interactive displays
Read MoreIn Memory of Charles Jonga
SCI is deeply saddened by the passing of Charles Jonga, Director of CAMPFIRE and Vice Chair of Community Leaders Network. Charles was a longtime friend of SCI and an absolute joy to work with. We will miss his ever-present passion, optimism, and kindness. Rest in peace, Charles.
Read MoreSCIF Humanitarian Mission Reveals Heart of The Hunter
By Brook Minx, SCIF President SCI Foundation is well-known for being the most active hunter-led wildlife conservation movement around. Education around conservation is just as essential as performing the actual work on the ground. but a lesser-known priority at SCI Foundation is Humanitarian Service. I’ve heard some say it’s an
Read MoreState Fish & Game Directors Discuss Black Bear, Predator Management Issues During Special Forum at SCI Convention
SCI’s Advocacy team is hosting the State Wildlife Agency Directors Forum, where wildlife directors and commissioners from five states will discuss the challenges of managing black bears at a time when predators are increasingly in the public limelight. Come hear about the various hurdles and successes wildlife managers have experienced
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