Protecting the Voiceless.
Preserving the Wild.
MISSION STATEMENT
Abraham Foundation works to preserve endangered species and strengthen conservation efforts through direct support and global partnerships. Together, we are safeguarding a future where wildlife and communities thrive.
OUR STORY
The Abraham Foundation was established in 1945 by Otto Abraham and reimagined in 1983 by his granddaughter, Nancy Abraham, a lifelong advocate for animal welfare. Recognizing a need for more effective, ground-level conservation, Nancy shifted the Foundation’s focus to wildlife protection and land conservation. In 2018, it became a public nonprofit to expand its global reach and support high-impact grassroots efforts—launching Trunks Up the same year to aid
Lek Chailert’s mission to protect Asian elephants. Today, the Foundation partners with frontline organizations to defend threatened species and habitats worldwide, from bonobos in the Congo to elephants in Sri Lanka and lemurs in Madagascar.
Our mission remains simple: to fight for animals who cannot fight for themselves.
“Real conservation starts at the grassroots with people who live it every day. Our job is to stand beside them, not in front of them.”
— Nancy Abraham, CEO of Abraham Foundation, Founder of Trunks Up
We’re in the midst of a global biodiversity crisis. Species are vanishing, habitats are disappearing, and climate change is compounding every threat.
But there is HOPE.
Local communities and grassroots conservationists are making a real difference on the ground. The Abraham Foundation exists to amplify their impact, connecting them with the funding, visibility, and networks they need to protect animals and ecosystems before it's too late.
Our Approach
Supporting grassroots organizations making real, on-the-ground change.
IMPACT
COLLABORATION
Working with our partners on the ground to inspire change.
Prioritizing humane, sustainable, and community-driven conservation.
ETHICS
INNOVATION
Embracing new ideas to solve evolving conservation challenges.
Leading with care for animals and the people protecting them.
TRANSPARENCY
Ensuring funds directly support the projects they’re intended for.
COMPASSION
A Legacy of Action for Animals
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AF Established
Otto Abraham established the Abraham Foundation as a private family foundation, originally supporting academic and cultural institutions of the time.
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A New Direction
Under the leadership of Otto’s granddaughter, Nancy Abraham—a lifelong advocate for animal welfare—the Foundation began focusing on wildlife protection and land conservation.
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Celebrating Unsung Heroes
The Abraham Conservation Awards are launched in Nepal to recognize unsung conservation heroes. Later expanding to the DRC, the awards honor wardens, activists, and local leaders making real impact.
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Support for Asian Elephants
A pioneering sanctuary for elephants takes root in Thailand thanks in part to early support from the Abraham Foundation, helping Lek Chailert bring her vision for Elephant Nature Park to life.
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A Sanctuary of Hope
Support for bonobo conservation deepens with a decades-long partnership at Lola ya Bonobo, where orphaned apes are rescued and rehabilitated in the only sanctuary of its kind in the world.
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Confiscation to Canopy
Support for OFI’s orphan orangutans doubled rescue capacity in Borneo. Nancy’s funding helped ensure each orphan received the care, forest training, and protection needed for a second chance in the wild.
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Protecting Tigers in Bhutan
Nancy launches the Bhutan Conservation Livestock Fund, reducing retaliatory tiger killings by reimbursing farmers for livestock loss. The Bhutanese government later adopts the program nationwide.
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Lomami National Park
The Foundation helps launch Lomami National Park in DRC, the country’s first new park in 50+ years, through early support of the TL2 Project. Long-term funding continues until management transfers in 2022.
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Wild Horse Rescue Center
Seed funding allows Wild Horse Rescue Center to purchase its first property. Later grants expand their reach, helping rescue and rehome dozens of horses and farm animals across Florida.
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Defending Rainforests
In Borneo, the Foundation helps defeat a highway threatening vital forest corridors, supports rainforest protection, and helps establish Sabah’s first sanctuary for endangered sun bears.
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Hwange National Park
In Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, the Foundation funds repairs to vital boreholes restoring water for elephants, lions, and more, while strengthening ecotourism and local conservation.
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Wildlife Action Group
The Foundation partners with Wildlife Action Group in Malawi, strengthening patrols and wildlife protection. Elephant populations rise and poaching drops thanks to enhanced ranger support.
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Partnership in Sri Lanka
Partnership begins with the Centre for Conservation Research in Sri Lanka, advancing solutions to human-elephant conflict while protecting endangered species and traditional landscapes.
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Going Public, Going Global
The Abraham Foundation becomes a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public nonprofit, expanding its global impact and reach.
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Trunks Up
The Foundation launches Trunks Up with Lek Chailert, supporting rescued elephants in Southeast Asia. During COVID-19, the project helped feed over 2,000 captive elephants across the region.
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Wildlife Madagascar
The Foundation partners with Wildlife Madagascar to support community-based conservation, restore forests, and protect rare and endangered species found only on the island.
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Parrot Protection
In DRC, the Foundation and Lukuru Wildlife Research Foundation launch a parrot rescue initiative to protect African grey parrots and disrupt illegal wildlife trafficking networks.
Become a part of the Legacy
Donate
Real impact starts with you.
Your donation supports trusted local partners driving change for animals, people, and the planet.
What Sets AF Apart?
We aim to bridge the gap between large-scale conservation funding and real-world impact by identifying and supporting the underfunded, overlooked efforts that are making a difference on the ground. Our focus is on practical solutions, ensuring that funding is used effectively to protect animals, habitats, and the communities that coexist with them.
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We identify grassroots leaders and visionary conservationists and provide early seed funding that helps turn bold ideas into reality. Many of our now-thriving partners were supported by us when their
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Unlike large, top-heavy organizations, we build close, long-term partnerships with the people doing the work. Our support is flexible, responsive, and shaped by mutual trust—not red tape.
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From crisis relief to capacity building, land acquisition to public education, we fund across the full spectrum of conservation. And we connect our partners to each other to amplify their collective impact.
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We focus on underfunded regions, overlooked species, and changemakers who don’t always get the spotlight—but whose work is essential. We elevate their stories and ensure their contributions are recognized.
Our Team
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Nancy Abraham is the President of Trio Advisors Inc., an investment management firm. Before founding Trio Advisors, she held executive positions at Lehman Brothers and the Union Bank of Switzerland ( UBS ). A seasoned lawyer, Ms. Abraham practiced law at the esteemed law firm Sullivan and Cromwell in New York. Ms. Abraham earned a bachelor’s degree from Barnard College and a law degree, with honors, from Columbia Law School.
Ms. Abraham has cared deeply about the well-being of all animals, wild and domestic, for over 50 years. After serving on the Boards of various international conservation organizations, both large and small, she founded the Abraham Foundation so that she would be able to work in areas of animal conservation that are currently being overlooked with the hopes of making a difference in the lives of the voiceless.
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Nikki helps lead the Abraham Foundation’s work with local partners to protect wildlife, restore habitats, and support community-driven conservation efforts. Joining Trunks Up at its inception in 2018, she has also played a key role in shaping the project’s mission and vision, with a focus on the long-term protection of Asian elephants.
With a background in international brand management, Nikki brings a strategic and creative approach to overseeing a range of global initiatives. She also serves on the board of Wildlife Madagascar, contributing to efforts to preserve the island’s unique biodiversity.
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Olivia spent her childhood caring for animals in her local community. Alongside her mother, Olivia helped manage and rescue the local feral cat population, developing a strong purpose for helping animals in need. Eventually moving to the Texas Hill Country, Olivia learned about wildlife management and the important balance of the natural environment in a ranch-setting.
Working in the Tech industry after graduating from the University of Texas, Olivia moved to London, UK where she developed her expertise on social media and online community management.
In 2021, Olivia wanted to return to her roots and do something meaningful for the world. Working for Abraham Foundation has been a dream come true and Olivia’s dedication to global conservation grows more and more each day.
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Ry Emmerson has dedicated his career to wildlife conservation and ethical ecotourism across Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on protecting endangered species and supporting the communities who live alongside them. Working under the guidance of renowned conservationist Lek Chailert, Ry developed a deep commitment to compassionate, community-led conservation.
Through years of hands-on experience, Ry has worked closely with Asian elephants and local communities, helping to promote sustainable practices and improve animal welfare. His work has been rooted in the belief that meaningful conservation must empower people as much as it protects wildlife.
As Director of Wildlife Conservation Initiatives at the Abraham Foundation, Ry leads global efforts to strengthen partnerships, guide conservation strategy, and expand support for projects that safeguard biodiversity. His passion and experience continue to drive impactful, long-term change for wildlife and the people who protect it.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a Global Initiative and an AF Friend?
Global Initiatives are core conservation partnerships lsupported by Abraham Foundation. These long-term commitments reflect our deepest investment both financially and strategically in protecting threatened species and ecosystems. We work hand-in-hand with our partners to build lasting impact from the ground up.
AF Friends are trusted allies whose work we believe in and support. While not part of our core portfolio, these individuals and organizations share our values and often receive time-bound or project-based assistance.
Does the Abraham Foundation offer grants?
The Abraham Foundation does not currently offer open grant opportunities. We work through long-term partnerships with trusted organizations, providing strategic, flexible support to advance shared conservation goals.
However, if your work aligns with our mission and you believe there’s a meaningful opportunity for collaboration, we welcome you to reach out and introduce your project.
How is the Abraham Foundation related to Trunks Up?
Trunks Up is a branch of Abraham Foundation, dedicated solely to support the work of Lek Chailert and Save Elephant Foundation with the goal of raising awareness and crucial funds needed to help protect Asia’s elephants.