BACKGROUND
Ducks Unlimited got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had
plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group
of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Thanks to decades of abiding by that single mi
ssion, Ducks Unlimited is now the world’s largest and most effective private, nonprofit, waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. DU is able to deliver its work through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities. Waterfowl are not the only beneficiaries of DU’s habitat
work. Wetlands improve the overall health of our environment by recharging and purifying groundwater, moderating floods and reducing soil erosion. Wetlands are North America’s most
productive ecosystems, providing critical habitat to more than 900 wildlife species and invaluable recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands, and tens of thousands of wetland acres continue to be lost—at an accelerating rate—each year. MEMBERSHIP
Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization. Its members are conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts who live primarily throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, DU volunteers hosted
more than 4,500 grassroots fundraising events such as member and sponsor banquets, shooting and fishing tournaments and golf
outings. Event dollars represent some of DU’s most important sources of revenue. Since event dollars are typically unrestricted, DU is able to spend these funds in our highest priority areas and use them to leverage additional funds from other sources.
