RESTON, Va. - The National Wildlife Federation and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom have renewed their collaboration to fund innovative, solutions-based higher education programs that protect threatened, vulnerable, and endangered wildlife and habitats. The 2026 program will award winning colleges and universities up to $8,500 in grants and is accepting applications until March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

"Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom is rooted in sharing inspiring stories of conservation success. Through our continued collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation on this important funding program, we're helping create even more opportunities to celebrate progress," said Jennifer Wulf, vice president of brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha. "This initiative not only supports the meaningful impact these students are having on wildlife in their own communities but also strengthens our ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of conservationists."

"The National Wildlife Federation has a long history of supporting colleges and universities that are leading conservation efforts for critical wildlife and habitat. These on-the-ground conservation efforts provide essential learning and leadership opportunities for college students," said Kristy Jones, wildlife and nature director for National Wildlife Federation. "This grant

program would not be possible without our collaboration with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and, together, we look forward to supporting and mentoring solutions that address the wildlife crisis."

Grant recipients will be selected based on, but not limited to, the following focus areas:

• Plans and strategies to protect and/or restore habitat for any threatened or endangered species on campus or in the community, with a goal of ensuring a safe and healthy habitat for coexistence.
• Research on threatened or endangered species on campus or in the community.
• Surveys of species on campus to identify any threatened or endangered species.
• Incorporation of smart growth strategies in regard to campus expansion projects that address wildlife impact.
• Environmental solutions to urban spaces with a focus on wildlife.

Interested colleges and universities can apply here or visit this link: http://bit.ly/4pVN90K

The submission deadline is March 13, 2026, at 11:59pm PST.

Grants awarded in 2025 supported seven important college and university conservation projects ranging from conducting a survey of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox at California State University Bakersfield, to restoring woody habitat to support the endangered Eastern rat snake at Smith College in Massachusetts. Additional grants were awarded for projects at Allegheny College, Georgia State University Perimeter College, Kentucky State University, University of South Florida and the University of Tennessee.

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. The Daytime Emmy® nominated 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 mutualofomaha.com.