For more information on how you can make a gift to the Zoo’s Annual Fund, contact the Minnesota Zoo Foundation at 952.431.9237, send an e-mail to donations@mnzoo.org, or click on the links below.

Donate Online
Friends of the Minnesota Zoo – Join the Zoo’s giving society
Animal Sponsorship - Connecting people to the animals they love
Sponsorship Opportunities – Sponsor an exhibit, event, or animal

You may know that many of the animals at the Minnesota Zoo have specific temperature and lighting requirements – but have you ever wondered who pays that electric bill? Everyone appreciates that the Zoo is a safe place to bring children and that certified EMTs are on site whenever the Zoo is open – but who pays for our Health and Safety staff? Would you ever visit us in winter if the parking lot and walking paths were buried under feet of snow?

The Annual Fund is a vital source of funding for all of these things and more, including animal care, conservation and education programs, keeper salaries, and so much more. Because most gifts to the Annual Fund are unrestricted, they allow the Zoo the flexibility to direct the funds where they are most needed and have the greatest impact. The Annual Fund touches virtually every aspect of the Zoo.

Matching Gifts
Many companies will match an employee’s contributions to the Minnesota Zoo – some will even “match” an employee’s volunteer time! Contact your employer’s human resources department to find out if your company will match your gift and for the appropriate form or website.

How does it work?
Typically, an employee sends a personal gift to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation along with the employer’s matching gift form, with the employee portion of the form filled out. The Minnesota Zoo Foundation completes the form, verifying receipt of the gift and forwards the completed form to the employer. Most employers have a set schedule for paying out their matching gift commitments (e.g., quarterly). The Minnesota Zoo Foundation will notify both the employer and the employee when the matching gift is received.