Who funds Animal Welfare nationally

If you run an animal welfare organization, you already know that national funders can move the needle on your work. The challenge is knowing which ones actually care about what you do, and how to build a real relationship before you need the money. The funders below have made animal welfare a genuine priority in their giving. Here's what their actual giving looks like, and how to think about approaching each one.

James Irvine Foundation

Based in San Francisco, the James Irvine Foundation distributes roughly $154 million annually across a wide range of causes, including animal welfare alongside arts, culture, economic empowerment, human services, and environment work. Their grants tend to run around $148K. This is a large, established foundation with deep roots in California and beyond. They take a portfolio approach to grantmaking, which means they're looking for organizations doing substantive work in their focus areas. The move here is to get on their radar through your network before you apply. See their profile

William Penn Foundation

The William Penn Foundation, headquartered in Philadelphia, gives about $148 million per year. Animal welfare is one of several cause areas they support, along with arts, education, environment, and human services. Their typical grants run closer to $59K, which means they're often funding specific projects or initiatives rather than broad operating support. They have a strong regional presence but fund nationally. If your work aligns with their priorities, a warm introduction through a board member or peer organization can open doors. See their profile

Open Society Institute

The Open Society Institute operates at scale, distributing around $147 million annually. Animal welfare sits alongside education, environment, health, and research in their portfolio. Their grants tend to land around $118K. This is a mission-driven funder with a long history of supporting social change work. They're thoughtful about the organizations they partner with and value demonstrated impact. Building a relationship with their program officers is the real work here. See their profile

Ahimsa Foundation

The Ahimsa Foundation is focused and intentional. They give approximately $73 million per year, and animal welfare is central to their mission alongside environmental sustainability. Because they concentrate their giving so tightly, they tend to develop deep relationships with their grantees. This is a funder worth knowing well if your work aligns with their core values. See their profile

The Larry Ellison Foundation

Based in California, The Larry Ellison Foundation distributes roughly $70 million annually. Animal welfare is one of several priorities alongside environment, economic empowerment, and youth and family services. They take a strategic approach to their grantmaking and tend to fund organizations doing work they believe in deeply. Getting connected through someone who knows the foundation or has worked with them before is your best entry point. See their profile

Knowing these funders before you need them is the whole game. If there's a funder relationship you're trying to build in animal welfare, or a funder you think we should be tracking for you, let us know. We're here to help you do the homework.

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