The Kevin Richardson Foundation is a non-profit conservation organisation with nature’s most majestic creature, the lion, at its heart.
Launched in early 2018, the foundation is committed to changing and reversing the state of Africa’s declining lion population by purchasing habitat and raising awareness to create safe, natural spaces where lions and other native species can flourish. By partnering with specialised organisations and engaging with impoverished communities on the fringes of these protected areas, the foundation also aims to minimise human/wildlife conflict whilst improving living conditions for local villages.
Find out more at www.kevinrichardsonfoundation.org
Empowers Africa has partnered with The Kevin Richardson Foundation in order to provide a cost-effective solution to fundraising in the United States by acting as their fiscal sponsor. Any donations made here will be granted to The Kevin Richardson Foundation.
Empowers Africa uses Stripe to process credit card donations. Stripe has very stringent security rules which may lead to declined credit card transactions. If you are experiencing trouble processing your donation, kindly contact Nadia Derelieva at (917) 328-1611 or via email: nadia@empowersafrica.org
Acquire and protect
Acquisition of key tracts of land to protect and expand natural lion habitats
The foundation is dedicated to acquiring and protecting critical tracts of land to safeguard vital ecosystems essential for the survival of iconic species like the lion. By expanding and preserving natural habitats, we aim to create safe havens for wildlife, ensuring that these species thrive in their native environments. Our conservation efforts focus on maintaining biodiversity, mitigating human-wildlife conflict and securing the future of endangered species by protecting the ecosystems they depend on for survival.
Educate and Empower
The Kevin Richardson Foundation firmly believes in integrated conservation. This means that if communities in contact with wild species do not experience the tangible benefits of protecting wildlife, then human/wildlife conflict and poaching will persist. The foundation thus seeks to support like-minded organisations that have proven and measurable methods in investing in the education and the creation of jobs, for the benefit of those within the outlying communities. We will also respond to the unique needs of communities close to the habitats we seek to purchase and protect. The foundation seeks to enable children all over South Africa to have access to their wildlife by funded visits to the sanctuary, game drives and other initiatives.
Less-advantaged children from our local community have the opportunity to go on game drives into the neighbouring reserve and wildlife sanctuary. This project aims to inspire a love of animals and educate on the importance of protecting wildlife.
This unforgettable experience builds on our existing in-classroom education and feeding programs.
Big 5 School Collective
Our Early childhood development program engages young learners with age-appropriate interactive play and lessons to introduce them to Africa’s Big Five. Through hands-on activities, storytelling and creative exploration, children learn about these iconic animals, their behaviours and the importance of preserving their natural habitat. The program fosters a deep connection to wildlife conservation, encouraging the next generation to understand the role they play in protecting these species and the ecosystems they depend on.
Lessons in Conservation
Our High school education program is taught by tertiary-level students pursuing wildlife-relates courses, offering a relatable and dynamic learning experience for younger students, This peer driven approach helps bridge the gap between academics and knowledge and real world application, as students delve into more advanced environmental topics and wildlife conservation practices. Designed for those potentially interested in potential wildlife careers, the program equips learners with practical skills too. To further inspire and reward excellence, one outstanding student is granted a working wildlife experience providing a unique opportunity to engage with conservation efforts firsthand.
Create a worldwide community of lion conservation collaborators
Collaboration with scientific research and lion conservation collaborators
The foundation collaborates with like-minded individuals and organisations to drive widespread action against wildlife degradation, focusing on implementing research -backed methods to protect vulnerable species. By pooling expertise and resources, we aim to raise global awareness of the urgent need to prioritize lion conservation. Together, we work to combat habitat loss, human wildlife conflict, and other threats emphasizing that protecting lions is not just a local concern but a worldwide responsibility critical to preserving biodiversity.
Maintain and Protect
Maintain and protect the Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary and its lions and help bring an end to the Canned Lion Hunting Industry and share the plight of lions in captivity
The Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge for animals rescued from exploitation in the cub petting and tourism industry, where many face the grim realities of canned hunting. Here, they are given a second chance at life and used to educate the public on the importance of not supporting these exploitative industries and the ethical issues surrounding animals in captivity. While the sanctuary currently cares for aging animals, the long term plan is to transition the facilities into a rehabilitation centre, focused on helping animals return to their natural habitats and live freely in the wild.
General Donations
If you do not have any specific project in mind and wish the organization to use their own discretion, please click here.
Donations can also be made by check or wire transfer:
Checks should be made out to “Empowers Africa” and should be mailed to:
Empowers Africa
2 Beekman Place, Ste. 18B
New York, NY 10022
www.empowersafrica.org
(917) 328-1611
Kindly note in the memo section of the check that funds are for The Kevin Richardson Foundation. Or email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
For wire transfer details or more information, please email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
Empowers Africa has been approved as a U.S. public charity, contributions to which are tax deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 501(c)(3) [EIN: 32-0403737] of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Thank you for your support!