Biome FAQ: We’ve changed our name

We’ve changed our name! After 17 years of successful operation, we’re modernizing our brand and identity while keeping the mission the same. Curious about what this means and where we are heading? Please refer to our FAQ below. 

Why Biome? 

We chose the name Biome because it better reflects the breadth and ambition of our work. A “biome” represents large, interconnected ecosystems – just like the global conservation impact we aim to make. This new name helps us communicate our mission more clearly and connect with broader audiences, while still holding true to the roots of the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC) 

Does the new name mean new leadership or a new direction?  

No, it does not. Our team, field partners, and work remain the same. The new name, Biome Conservation, reflects the growth and evolution of our work, but it does not change who we are or the values we stand for. We remain fully committed to our goals and to continuing the conservation efforts you’ve supported. 

I donated via cheque to “International Conservation Fund of Canada” and I also used that name as a beneficiary in my will.  Is that a problem? 

Not at all.  We are retaining our original name (which has served us well) and adding Biome Conservation as an additional “doing business as” legal name.  In legal documents and with banking, both names work.    

I named “International Conservation Fund of Canada” as a beneficiary in my will. Is this still valid?

Your will remains valid, and the International Conservation Fund of Canada is recognized legally. Both names refer to the same organization, so your gift will be honoured as intended.  

Do I still get a tax receipt for my donation? 

Yes! Donations made to Biome are gifts will receive a valid tax receipt just as before. Both names are legally recognized, so there’s no change in how your donation is processed or receipted.  

Can I still donate in USD as an American resident? 

Yes, you can. However, to receive a tax receipt that qualifies for U.S. charitable deductions, please consider donating through Biome Friends (coming soon), our affiliated U.S. 501(c)(3) organization. This way, your gift supports our work and is fully tax-deductible under U.S. law. 

Will my existing donations or pledges to ICFC be affected?

Not at all. Any donations, recurring gifts, or pledges made to ICFC will continue exactly as intended. Nothing has changed in how your support is handled — only the name we use publicly is evolving.  

How will this change communications and updates?

You may notice emails, reports, or website content coming from Biome Conservation rather than ICFC. This shift is part of our effort to communicate our mission more clearly and consistently. You’ll still receive the same updates on the impact of your support—just with a new look and feel that better reflects who we are today. 

Will there be changes in the projects or regions you work in?

No, our conservation priorities, partnerships, and project regions remain the same. Biome Conservation continues the work of ICFC, supporting effective, locally led conservation efforts in high-biodiversity regions around the world. 

Where can I find Biome on the CRA (or IRS) charity listings?

Biome Conservation is the “doing business as” name for the International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC). Our official legal name remains ICFC, which is the name listed on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) charity registry and the IRS exempt organization database. To verify our charitable status, please search for International Conservation Fund of Canada using our charity registration.