As Spring comes in, there are a lot of exciting things happening with IEF. There are incredible, interesting Conservation Chats coming up, we have officially opened our 2027 Conservation Grant Application process, and we are looking to expand our team!

Our next Conservation Chat will dig into elephant ecology and conservation of elephants in Malaysia, including the elephants of Borneo (sometimes called pygmy elephants).

Monday, May 18th at 4pm Pacific/6pm Central

Join us for a special talk with Dr. Nurzhafarina binti Othman, a leading expert on Asian elephants and a driving force behind innovative conservation efforts in Malaysia. From redefining the Bornean elephant as a distinct subspecies to helping halt major infrastructure projects that threatened critical habitat, Dr. Othman’s work is reshaping how we approach human-wildlife coexistence. She will share insights from over a decade of research and collaboration, including her current efforts to transform oil palm landscapes into spaces where elephants and people can thrive together.

Attendance is free! Register here to receive the zoom link.

The International Elephant Foundation’s Conservation Grant program is now accepting proposals for 2027 funding. The program supports effective, sustainable projects that benefit elephants, their habitats, and the communities that share their landscapes, with a focus on human-elephant conflict mitigation, habitat conservation, education and outreach, transboundary conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and elephant disease research.

Applicants must submit an English-language proposal through the online application by the August 7, 2026.

We are looking for someone to join the IEF team as a Social Media Specialist. This part-time, independent contractor position will enhance our digital presence and communication efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, producing, and publishing social media content that aligns with IEF’s mission and brand standards. If you are interested, read the full job description here.

Everyone loves elephants, but it takes a special person to protect and preserve them for generations to come. Each donation to IEF helps build a future where elephants thrive. Recurring donations, like monthly or quarterly gifts, help us plan longer-term projects to build on positive impacts.

We also have several tax-smart giving options. Consider a gift of stocks, donor advised funds, qualified charitable donations or leaving a legacy for elephants in your will. There are many ways to help elephants and they are all elefantastic, just like you!

May 18, 2026: Conservation Chat with Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman at 4pm PDT/6pm Central
June 4, 2026: Conservation Chat with Christopher Powles of Mount Elgon Foundation at 9am PDT/11am Central
August 7, 2026: Deadline for 2027 Conservation Grant proposal submission