Elephants, Rhinos & People (ERP), a nonprofit conservation group that uses a CubCrafters NXCub to patrol in Southern Africa, is asking for the public’s help to grow its Air Wing.
If ERP can raise $250,000 by the end of February, Group Elephant, a multinational services and software firm, has offered a matching challenge grant to help the organization meet its goal.
“Meeting the challenge will accelerate the growth of the ERP Air Wing and directly support the protection of elephants and rhinos across Southern Africa,” said Quintin Smith, director of the nonprofit, in a news release. “Elephants and rhinos face unprecedented, existential danger. Aerial surveillance can powerfully augment ground-based protection of wildlife.”
One-hundred percent of all charitable donations made to ERP go directly into field projects. The group focuses on eliminating poaching by developing programs designed to eradicate poverty in the region.
During EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July, ERP took delivery of its first airplane, a CubCrafters NXCub. The bushplane is used for aerial surveillance over large tracts of conservation land that serves as habitat for the highly 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.
Smith said demand for consistent aerial patrols across Namibian wildlife corridors is increasing.
“We are appealing to aviation enthusiasts and conservationists to help meet this match by making a tax-deductible gift or pledge before February 28, 2026,” Smith said. “Please help us secure Group Elephant’s $250,000 in pursuit of a powerful, enduring shield for endangered wildlife.”
Donations can be made through the ERP website.