The Disney Conservation Fund announced a one million dollar investment in Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program on October 26, 2026. This contribution brings the total support from Disney to more than seven point five million dollars for the youth initiative founded in 1991. The announcement coincided with a multi-day conservation summit at Walt Disney World Resort attended by ten young leaders from across the United States. These participants were selected through a special challenge celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the fund and Pixar’s newest feature film. During the summit, students explored Animal Kingdom and EPCOT while learning from Disney experts in animal care and conservation science. Each winner received a small grant to support their local environmental projects and was paired with a Disney mentor for career coaching. The group also helped select one hundred and two additional grants awarded across thirty-two states and territories to further youth-led community efforts.
Key Points:
- The Disney Conservation Fund announced a $1 million investment in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots on October 26, 2026.
- This gift brings Disney’s total investment in the program to more than $7.5 million since its founding in 1991.
- Ten young conservation leaders participated in a summit at Walt Disney World Resort after winning the Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge.
- Each winner received a small grant and was paired with a Disney mentor for career and education coaching for one year.
- The group helped select 102 additional grants awarded across 32 states and territories for youth-led community projects.