RESTON, Va. — Seven colleges and universities were awarded grants ranging from $7,500 to $10,000 as part of the EcoLeaders® program funded by Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’s College and University Grant Program. The grants will be used to conduct research, restore habitat and advance conservation education for threatened and endangered species within their communities.

2024 grant recipients include: Joliet Junior College, Roanoke College, Bellevue College, University of Montana, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of West Alabama, and University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire.

“The National Wildlife Federation EcoLeaders® program is thrilled to partner with Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’s College and University Grant Program to uplift and support deserving young conservationists across the country,” said Krista Newberry, head of licensing and partnerships for the National Wildlife Federation. “National Wildlife Federation and Mutual of Omaha have long histories of conserving our wildlife and wild places and this partnership creates a space of exploration and growth that reflects our continued mission to ensure wildlife and people thrive.” 

“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom through its partnership with the National Wildlife Federation EcoLeaders® program will help inspire the future generation of conservationists,” said Jen Wulf, vice president, marketing at Mutual of Omaha. “We are excited to fund projects across various institutions coast to coast that will make impact in local communities and on campuses.” 

For more than 30 years, the National Wildlife Federation has been working with high school upper class students and college students on projects that create greener, wildlife-friendly campuses and communities. NWF's EcoLeaders® program provides project design and management resources that empower students to make a real impact on today's biggest environmental issues, while also building leadership skills. 

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has a long legacy of inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Their College and University Grant Program supports students, faculty and staff working to protect and/or restore wildlife and/or their habitats. By partnering with NWF, grant recipients will have the support and resources from the EcoLeaders® program, including hands-on experience, certification, and career resources. 

About Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom 
Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history.  Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, now airing weekends on NBC’s The More You Know time block, celebrates stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. For more information about Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, visit WildKingdom.com. 

About Mutual of Omaha
Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses, and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.