Ways to give
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a non-profit organization. Your donation — in any form — helps fund the animals in our care, our conservation programs, and the experiences that connect people with wildlife.
Donating is simple and flexible
Every gift to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens makes a direct difference for the animals in our care, for the conservation programs that extend far beyond our gates, and for the education initiatives that connect thousands of people with wildlife every year. The San Francisco Zoo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our charitable tax ID number is 94-1429538.
For questions about making a donation, please reach out.
Different ways to donate
For questions about making a donation, please reach out.
Making a one-time gift is simple! Use the button below to donate by credit or debit card.
For those looking to maximize the impact of their giving, the Zoo also accepts donations through stocks, cryptocurrency, mutual funds, and donor-advised funds (DAFs), all of which may offer meaningful tax advantages. When you donate appreciated stock held for more than one year, for example, you can receive a tax deduction for its full fair market value while also avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation.
If you prefer to give by mail, donations by check are welcome and can be sent directly to:
San Francisco Zoological Society
Development Department
1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, CA 94132-1098
Become a monthly donor
When you join the Wildlife Collective, your monthly gift provides steady, reliable support for our animal residents, important conservation programs, and the work of our dedicated care teams.
You can give at any level, from $10 per month to $100 and up, as your dollars help provide enrichment, fresh, quality produce, veterinary supplies, habitat maintenance and improvements, and helps fund conservation and education programs. Join Wildlife Collective today!
Bench sponsorship program
Are you looking for a unique and lasting recognition opportunity? Sponsoring a bench at the Zoo allows you to remember loved ones, celebrate friends and family, promote your business, mark a special occasion, or simply show your love for the Zoo while supporting our diverse education, conservation, and animal care programs. Your wonderful gift adds to the beauty of our campus and offers guests a place to relax while they enjoy the wildlife.
Bench sponsorships are $5,000 each and include:
- A bench made predominantly from recycled materials, chosen to tolerate Pacific-coast weather for up to 10 years.
- A personalized plaque on the bench to commemorate your gift. You may choose to have the bench placed in a variety of available spaces on Zoo grounds.
- Recognition on the Donor Recognition Board at our Main Entrance.
For questions about our Bench Program, e-mail development@sfzoo.org.
More ways to support
Donating is just one way to make a difference. Here are some of the other ways you can support the Zoo’s animals, conservation work, and community programs.
Choose an animal from our collection and make a symbolic adoption in their name or as a gift for someone special. Your contribution supports the day-to-day care of that animal and the Zoo’s broader conservation mission.
Partner with San Francisco Zoo & Gardens to support conservation, engage your team, and connect your brand with one of the City’s most beloved institutions. Corporate sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available at a range of levels.
We host a number of fundraising events throughout the year that support our mission while bringing our community together. From ZooFest to member exclusives, these events are a fun and meaningful way to give back.
Zoo Guardians are an esteemed group of supporters who contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually to the San Francisco Zoological Society. Guardian membership provides core support for animal care, conservation, and education with exceptional benefits at every level, from Keeper to Chairman.
A planned gift to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy for wildlife and conservation. Our team can help you explore options including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and other planned giving arrangements.
For those wanting to celebrate or honor someone special, tribute and memorial gifts are a thoughtful option. A tribute gift can mark a birthday, wedding, graduation, or any special occasion. A memorial gift offers a meaningful way to honor the memory of a friend or loved one. In both cases, the Zoo will notify the honoree or their family, without disclosing the gift amount, and you will receive an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes.
CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) is a nonprofit organization that manages vehicle donation programs for other nonprofits. Through this partnership, supporters can donate their unwanted vehicles to benefit the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. CARS handles the entire donation process—from vehicle pick-up and auction to donor communications and tax documentation—while the Zoo receives 70% of the net proceeds from each vehicle sold.
Every gift matters. Make yours today.
