Oregon Zoo Foundation

Rating: 5 stars   2 reviews

Issues: Animals, Arts & Culture

Location: 4001 Sw Canyon Rd Portland OR 97221 USA

Mission: The Oregon Zoo Foundation (OZF) mission is to foster community pride and involvement in the Oregon Zoo and to secure financial support for Zoo conservation, education and cultural programs. OZF fund-raising activities include individual major gifts, foundation and corporate support, annual giving, membership services and animal sponsorships. OZF funding supports many of the Zoo's most innovative programs - from the breeding of endangered species such as the California condor and the presentation of education programs for at-risk youth to the development of state-of-the-art animal exhibits and the purchase of hybrid fuel vehicles used in Zoo operations.The Oregon Zoo, established in 1887 as the first zoo west of the Mississippi River, rates as one of the most popular attractions in the Pacific Northwest with more than 1.5 million visitors per year. The Zoo has one of the highest market penetration rates in the nation and has attracted record crowds through the steady addition of new exhibits and visitor experiences. The Zoo serves as a local, regional and national conservation and education resource with a stated mission: to inspire our community to create a better future for wildlife.
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Community Reviews

Rating: 5 stars  

My personal experience (2 family retired over age 60 folks) is that this foundation really RECOGNIZES their donors, caters to them and tries to give quality experiences to match their voluntary gifts .As we know there are many charities clamoring for our dollars The Oregon Zoo delivers value for dollar. The zoo has metro (govt) employees who work WELL with the donor foundation volunteers and donors - not always the case.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

YES

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

NOTHING. but the great nonprofits needs to make it easier for me to see my annual reviews. What you show is last years review and it does not give me confort.

Was your donation impactful?

Definitely

How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?

Definitely

How likely are you to donate to this group again?

Definitely

What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?

We love zoos. This is our local Zoo even though we are in WA stata, this zoo is the closest (oregon)

Why did you make your donation at this time?

they sent out an appeal to the bird exhibit update

What would you tell others about this organization?

They value volunteers and donors. They have programs for all ages. The keepers care about their animals and are supported by funding. OZF gives value for your donor dollars.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

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1 previous review
Rating: 5 stars  

12 people found this review helpful

The Oregon Zoo Foundation is completely integrated with the Zoo Operation and puts its/your "money where the commitment is". They just recently completed and opened an African Exhibit that came in on budget and are working on a new ape exhibit. They use the money wisely and have great project management relative to other Zoo's I have donated and volunteered with such that YOUR donor money actually shows up in a completed project! They acknowledge their donors with special previews and use LOCAL merchants to provide the goodies (eats and drinks) at these events. I like that. I recommend involvement in the OREGON ZOO FOUNDATION. Also a plus - foundation members use email extensively, are available in great number at their donor events and I have found their backgrounds to be very deep in the field (they hire well).

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Viewing their completed African Safari exhibit and meeting with the folks who are helping with the new vet center (bond issue pays for the building but donations to this foundation are needed to buy what goes in it!)

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

do nothing to change it.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Seeing my dollars used effectively to enhance the Oregon Zoo. Seeing the commitment of the foundation staff.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated to their job.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Completely redo any old exhibit they found on this wonderful zoo if need be!

Ways to make it better...

could not have been better.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

managing the projects, the donations and volunteers to maximum benefit of the zoo. They have a lot of activities to coordinate!

One thing I'd also say is that...

I love this zoo. I have been to over 50 zoos worldwide and it is right up there with the best.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010-5-01

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