African penguins are predicted to be extinct in the wild by 2035. As an indicator species, the plight of African penguins serves as a warning sign that their marine ecosystem is in trouble.
We are unique in three ways:
- We are the only US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated solely to protecting critically endangered African penguins from extinction.
- Your donation carries an exponentially more significant impact because we leverage the strength of the dollar and its favorable exchange rate to the South African rand. Your donation will make a real difference.
- We respect our partners’ expertise and never dictate how they run their organizations. They appreciate this approach. By rejecting the traditional power imbalance of donor over grantee and embracing trust-based philanthropy, we and our partners maintain transparency and honesty with one another. This safe space enables us to be truly effective for our partners.
More reasons to support KruShan Foundation
- Real-time knowledge: Thanks to our strong partnerships in South Africa, we understand the needs of critically endangered African penguins and can provide them in real-time. Thus, we can quickly direct funds, including during emergencies, where funds will have the most significant impact.
- More money for programs: At least 97% of your donation goes straight to protecting critically endangered African penguins. With no overhead costs, such as salaries, office rent, or donor gifts, and minimal fundraising expenses, your support directly funds conservation efforts for these penguins and their marine ecosystem.
- Proven trustworthiness: You can rely on our accurate financial information and reliable performance metrics. We’ve held the highest transparency rating (Platinum) from Candid GuideStar since 2023. Have a look at our financials.
- Frequent site visits: While based in the U.S., our work is deeply rooted in South Africa, where our co-founder, Kruger du Plessis, grew up. We don’t work in an ivory tower, having never seen the animals we are protecting. Regular visits to African penguin colonies and collaboration with our local partners and rangers ensure that we have the latest data to protect this iconic species, which is found in the wild only in South Africa and Namibia.
- Longtime advocacy: We’ve been active conservation advocates for over 20 years.
“KruShan Foundation is doing vital work to address detrimental environmental changes, specifically as affecting African penguins. I cannot do that work myself; however, I can donate funds to do so. In addition, the Foundation is working in a transparent manner (Guidestar-Candid), along with using a high percentage of donations for programs. Its goals align well with my desire to do something to help those in the world now and for generations to come.”
Sherry Moore, Austin, Texas, recurring donor
Vision, Mission, and Theory of Change
Vision
Our vision is to ensure that future generations can benefit from a healthy marine ecosystem that supports all marine life, especially the iconic and adorable African penguins.
Mission
Our mission is to protect African penguins from extinction and restore their marine ecosystem, ensuring their survival beyond 2035 through rehabilitation, resource provision, advocacy, and education, by collaborating with partners in South Africa. #NotBy2035
Theory of Change
To prevent the extinction of African penguins—an indicator species signaling the decline of their marine ecosystem—we collaborate with partners in South Africa to protect them through rehabilitation, resource provision, artificial nest deployment, marine advocacy, and education, ensuring their survival and the long-term health of their environment beyond 2035.
Note: We are an IRS-qualified US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible in the United States per current tax regulations. Since the IRS removed, quite wrongly, the $600 charitable donation deduction for US taxpayers who use the standard deduction, if you itemize deductions, your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donor-advised funds (DAF) are another simple, tax-effective way to donate to charity.
Do you have any questions or would you like more information? Please get in touch with us. We love talking about African penguins.