#United States #Phoenix #Colossal #National Wildlife Federation #Jr. Ranger

$5.4 Million Grant Awarded to National Wildlife Federation

On July 7, 2026, Colossal announced a significant milestone in wildlife conservation through the 2026 Jr. Ranger competition, which raised an impressive $5.4 million in funds designated for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). This remarkable achievement was celebrated with the crowning of Cami, a passionate young naturalist, as this year's Jr. Ranger Champion. Hosted by the Emmy Award-winning wildlife enthusiast Jeff Corwin, the Jr. Ranger competition aims to inspire young individuals passionate about nature and dedicated to protecting the environment.

A Celebration of Young Nature Enthusiasts

The Jr. Ranger initiative is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of youth commitment to wildlife conservation. During this nation-wide campaign, families and supporters rallied behind talented young explorers while contributing to conservation efforts across the country. Cami, a remarkable nature enthusiast, captivated the community with her dedication to wildlife protection—from birdwatching and horseback riding to exploring the great outdoors. Her love for the environment and enthusiasm for adventure inspired countless participants throughout the contest.

As the newly minted Jr. Ranger Champion, Cami will receive a prize of $20,000, appear in Ranger Rick® magazine, and embark on an extraordinary wildlife adventure alongside Jeff Corwin, offering her a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mary Hagen, CEO of Colossal, expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated in the competition: "This competition is about empowering young people who are passionate about making a difference while creating meaningful impact for conservation. We are incredibly grateful to every participant, supporter, and voter. Together, we're investing in the next generation of environmental leaders while supporting the important work of protecting wildlife and the habitats they call home."

Funding for Wildlife Conservation

The funds generated from this year's Jr. Ranger campaign will significantly contribute to the National Wildlife Federation's ongoing efforts, which include conserving wildlife, restoring habitats, connecting children to nature, and advocating for policies supportive of wildlife preservation across the United States. Krista Newberry, head of licensing and partnerships at the National Wildlife Federation, remarked: "We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and cheered on the Jr. Rangers. This award belongs to all of them, and each contribution was a vote for wildlife and wild places."

The collective efforts from participants and donors are expected to foster millions of connections between children and the natural world, as well as advocate for educational programs that inspire future conservationists.

Inspiring Adventure and Exploration in Nature

In addition to the leadership from Jeff Corwin throughout the competition, this year's campaign featured special guest appearances and unique content from The Bucket List Family, encouraging young adventurers to embrace the wilderness and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature. The Jr. Ranger initiative has proven to be impactful since its inception, inspiring thousands of young nature lovers and raising over $12 million to support conservation initiatives.

About Colossal

Colossal is a professional fundraising entity enthusiastically promoting advocacy for societal needs through competitions aimed at charitable causes. With every campaign, Colossal empowers individuals to pursue meaningful experiences while contributing to significant societal benefits. The organization operates alongside charity entities such as DTCare and AIT, which allocate grants to various non-profits at the conclusion of each fundraising event.

To learn more about Colossal and its impact on wildlife conservation efforts, visit www.colossal.org.

About the National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation, founded in 1936, stands as America's foremost grassroots conservation organization, representing over six million supporters. Their mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrives in an ever-changing world through a comprehensive approach that includes habitat restoration, outdoor opportunities, and youth engagement in nature. Together, these organizations represent a powerful initiative to protect wildlife for generations to come.