J.N. "DING" Darling Foundation

ABOUT US

Following the death of J. N.“Ding” Darling in 1962, his family, friends, and admirers gathered in Des Moines, Iowa. Their task was to determine how best to perpetuate “Ding’s” forceful leadership in conservation and conservation education.

Those gathered initiated the J. N.“Ding” Darling Foundation, which received its IRS Section 501(c)(3) approval letter in 1963. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees represented a broad national constituency. Among the founding Trustees were former Presidents Eisenhower and Truman, as well as experienced educators, publishers, artists, business executives and conservationists.

The founders made an early decision to accomplish the work of the Foundation by relying on trustees and volunteers. Utilizing the experience of its trustees and attracting dedicated volunteers, the Darling Foundation avoided the necessity of paid staff. Since income from its modest endowment covered its low overhead, the Foundation was able to put virtually all contributions received directly into its operating projects. The Foundation supported the J. N.“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, supplied teaching materials for conservation education, and published a CD containing 6,800 of Ding’s editorial cartoons.