The Don Molde Award for Courageous Leadership in Wildlife Advocacy
Wildlife for All is proud to announce the call for nominations for the Don Molde Award for Courageous Leadership in Wildlife Advocacy!
Named in honor of former WFA advisory board member Don Molde, a tireless champion for wildlife and devoted advocate for conservation, this award recognizes individuals who embody Don’s fearless spirit and lasting impact. Don’s work inspired countless people to fight for wildlife with courage, creativity, and integrity. You can read more about his remarkable legacy in our Executive Director Michelle Lute’s remembrance of Don Molde and see how his advocacy continues to guide our mission.
About the Award
The Don Molde Award honors individuals in the United States who have taken bold action to protect wildlife, often in the face of opposition or risk, and achieved measurable outcomes for species, habitats, and ecosystems. Recipients are leaders whose advocacy:
- Inspires others and mobilizes communities
- Challenges entrenched systems or status quo management/policies
- Advances wildlife protection through vision, creativity, and resilience
This award celebrates those who embody Don’s spirit: courageous, principled, and unwavering in their commitment to wildlife.
Nomination Criteria
Nominees should exemplify the following qualities in their work:
Demonstrated Courage: Took bold action in the face of opposition, controversy, or personal/professional risk; challenged entrenched systems or policies to protect wildlife.
Measurable Impact: Achieved tangible results for wildlife protection, such as policy outcomes, species recovery, or habitat preservation, with lasting or scalable benefits.
Advocacy & Visionary Leadership: Inspired others to take action, mobilized communities, mentored or led teams, coalitions, or campaigns that advanced the cause of wildlife conservation.
Innovation & Creativity: Developed new strategies or campaigns that overcame barriers to wildlife protection; used media, technology, storytelling, or other tools in inventive ways to advance advocacy efforts.
Scientific and Ethical Integrity: Grounded decisions in the best available science, ethics, and respect for ecological systems; demonstrated commitment to conservation principles and ethical advocacy practices; maintained transparency, honesty, and respect in campaigns or collaborations.
Resilience & Persistence: Maintained long-term dedication to wildlife advocacy despite setbacks, criticism, or limited resources.
Community Engagement & Collaboration: Built partnerships with local communities, legislators, Indigenous groups, and/or other stakeholders to advance wildlife protection, amplifying diverse voices in conservation and advocacy efforts.
Who Can Be Nominated
The award is open to individuals across the United States who demonstrate the qualities above with an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful and enduring change for wildlife and the natural world. Members of the award committee and Wildlife for All staff are not eligible, nor can they submit nominations.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations are open now. To submit a nominee, please complete our Nomination Form for the Don Molde Award.
You may also include letters of support, although they are optional. All nominations must be received by December 31, 2025. The recipient will be announced in February 2026.
Help Us Celebrate Don Molde’s Legacy
Don Molde dedicated his life to protecting wildlife, mentoring generations of advocates, and challenging systems that failed wild animals. From fighting for mountain lions in Nevada to promoting coexistence with wolves, Don’s courage, integrity, and love for wildlife continue to inspire.
By nominating a leader for the Don Molde Award, you are helping honor this legacy and lifting up the next generation of courageous wildlife advocates.
Special thanks to the Don Molde Award for Courageous Leadership in Wildlife Advocacy Committee:
Jill Fritz, Humane World for Animals and Wildlife for All Board President
Samantha Hagio, Humane World for Animals
Walter Medwid, Vermont Wildlife Coalition and Wildlife for All Advisory Board Member
Lisa Robertson, Wyoming Untrapped and Wildlife for All Advisory Board Member
