Saint Paul, MN

Como Friends

EIN 41-1943928

Environment & Animal Welfare Zoos, Aquariums & Nature Centers Children & youth

Mission

Como Friends inspires community generosity in support of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory so it thrives for generations to come.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About Como Friends

Como Friends is the 501(c)(3) fundraising partner to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The organization stewards private philanthropy to fund animal care, habitat and garden improvements, education programming, and to help preserve free, year‑round access to the campus. Como Friends operates as a long-term public/private partner with the City of Saint Paul, investing in capital projects and programs that serve nearly two million annual visitors and expand classroom and conservation programming across the region. In recent years the organization has continued active fundraising, published audited financial statements and public Form 990 filings, and hosted donor-member events and special-access programs to support Como’s operations and mission.

Notable achievements

2025 Private Contributions

Raised $4,146,063 in private contributions in 2025 to support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory programming, operations, and capital needs.

Major Campus Investment

Has driven sustained private investment in the Como campus, supporting more than $57,000,000 in new investment since the organization’s founding to upgrade habitats, visitor amenities, and education spaces.

Preserving Free Access

Played a central role in preserving free, year‑round admission and funding education and conservation initiatives that serve roughly two million visitors annually, including school field trips and community learning programs.

At a glance

Total assets: $19.0M
Annual revenue: $4.4M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 41-1943928
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Website: comofriends.org
On Mahalo since: September 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Profiled and rated on major nonprofit information platforms; Charity Navigator reports a high accountability/transparency score and a multi-star profile for the organization.

Nonprofit fundraising partner to the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, which operates as an AZA‑accredited institution — reflecting recognized standards in animal care and conservation at the campus Como Friends supports.

Maintains audited financial statements and publicly available IRS Form 990 filings and is a recipient of foundation grants and local philanthropic support from organizations such as the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and other regional funders.

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