Funding the Animal Welfare Movement

The animal welfare movement is significantly underfunded relative to the scale of animal suffering it addresses, with strategic philanthropy able to drive major improvements.

Key Facts

Farmed animal welfare receives a tiny fraction of philanthropic giving compared to human causes
Effective altruism research has identified farm animal welfare as highly cost-effective
GiveWell and Animal Charity Evaluators identify top charities by cost per animal helped
Corporate campaigns have improved welfare standards for billions of chickens at low cost per animal

Welfare Considerations

Strategic funding of animal welfare organisations can drive outsized impact relative to the amounts donated. Corporate campaigns that commit companies to better welfare standards affect billions of animals across supply chains for relatively modest advocacy costs. Research into animal sentience and welfare science informs more effective policy and practice. Funding capacity-building in emerging economies is particularly high-leverage since rapid intensification there is occurring with few welfare protections.

What You Can Do

Research effective animal welfare organisations through evaluators like Animal Charity Evaluators
Consider donating to evidence-based animal welfare charities
Advocate for philanthropic foundations to include animal welfare in their portfolios
Support policy advocacy that can change welfare standards at national or international scale