National Wildlife Federation

According to the National Wildlife Federation (Federation) audit of August 31, 2019 (Note 15, National Wildlife Federation Action Fund) [$s in thousands, as noted]:

"National Wildlife Federation Action Fund (NWF Action Fund) is a [501(c)(4) tax-exempt] not-for-profit organization that was formed in Colorado in 1989 for the purpose of conducting conservation advocacy programs such as National Wildlife Action...

"Although certain Federation employees serve on NWF Acton Fund's Board of Directors, the Federation officers and employees represent less than 50% of the total officers and Directors for NWF Action Fund and the Federation does not control a majority of the appointments to NWF Action Fund's Board of Directors. As such, the Federation does not consolidate [in its audited financial statements] the activities of NWF Action Fund.

"The Federation provided $220 [thousand] and $211 [thousand] in grants to NWF Action Fund in the years ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, NWF Action Fund reimburses the Federation for certain costs such as leased staff, benefits, miscellaneous expenses and overhead costs. As of August 31, 2019 and 2018, NWF Action Fund owed the Federation $128 [thousand] and $29 [thousand], respectively, for such costs. Additionally, as of August 31, 2019 and 2018, NWF Action Fund owed $104 [thousand] and $118 [thousand] to the Federation for contributions collected for the Federation."

[Note: CharityWatch currently does not provide a separate rating for National Wildlife Federation's related 501(c)(4) entity, National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, given its relatively small size. Its total contributions were approximately $434,000 for the fiscal year ended 8/31/2018, according to its most recently available tax filing.]

According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) tax filing for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, NWF reports re: Compensation, Supplemental Information (IRS Form 990, Schedule J, Part III):

Regarding severance payments to officers, directors, trustees, key employees and highest compensated employees (Schedule J, Part I, Line 4a):

"During the year ended December 31, 2018, Maureen P. Smith, Associate VP, Corp Sponsorships, received severance payments totaling $35,770."

NWF reports that Maureen P. Smith was Associate VP, Corp Sponsorships until 09/2018, receiving total compensation of $162,822 in calendar year 2018 (IRS Form 990, Schedule J, Part II).