A technology business has stepped up to help fund the acquisition of additional aircraft for the protection of endangered elephants and rhinos in Southern Africa.
Group Elephant, a multinational services and software firm, has issued a $250,000 Matching Challenge Grant — pledging to release $250,000 of funding if the non-profit Elephants, Rhinos & People can raise $250,000 from donors by Feb. 28, 2026.
ERP took delivery of its first airplane, a CubCrafters NX Cub, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2025.
If successful, the challenge grant will fund the acquisition of additional aircraft and infrastructure in Namibia, where ERP oversees large tracts of conservation land serving as safe havens for endangered desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos.
“The challenge grant will double the impact of donor dollars and help us unlock critical resources needed for aerial anti-poaching surveillance and herd monitoring in Namibia,” said Tom Haines, ERP Air Wing Project Lead.
Demand for consistent aerial patrols across Namibian wildlife corridors is pressing.
“Elephants and rhinos face unprecedented, existential danger. Aerial surveillance can powerfully augment ground-based protection of wildlife,” said Quintin Smith, a director of the non-profit. “We are appealing to aviation enthusiasts and conservationists to help meet this match by making a tax-deductible gift or pledge before Feb. 28, 2026.”
Donations can be made through the ERP website, ERP.ngo. Officials note that 100% of all charitable donations made to ERP go directly into field projects.
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