Who We Are

Funding interests of Animal Grantmakers’ growing membership cover the full spectrum of animal species and issue areas, including companion animals, captive and free-ranging wildlife, farmed animals, and animals used in research, among others.

Animal Grantmakers welcomes funders with animal protection, welfare, and rights perspectives. Our members support animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries, as well as other organizations that advance spay/neuter and other forms of animal population control, humane education, wildlife protection and rehabilitation, alternatives to factory farming and animal testing, minimization of pain and suffering, and many other programmatic areas.*

*Any organization, giving entity, program, or vehicle, or individual that is not eligible for regular membership, but is interested in supporting the mission of Animal Grantmakers, as well as increasing their impact on behalf of animals, is eligible to become an Associate Member.

Member Organizations

If you’re interested in learning more about individual Animal Grantmakers member organizations and their funding priorities and programs, please visit their respective websites, which are included in the Member Organizations Listing. Please note that Animal Grantmakers itself does NOT award funds to other organizations.

Member Organizations Listing →

Board of Directors

Animal Grantmakers is led by a Board of Directors elected by members at its Annual Meeting. The 2025 Board consists of:

President
Bethany Heins
Best Friends Animal Society

“Animal Grantmakers unites a dedicated community of individuals with a shared passion for safeguarding a diverse range of animal species on a global scale, extending their commitment both inside and outside the United States. While my primary focus lies in the realm of sheltered companions, Animal Grantmakers provides a gateway to diverse philanthropic endeavors aimed at supporting all animals. The organization offers a priceless opportunity to connect with a cohort of like-minded members, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is exchanged and shared, enriching our collective impact.”

Treasurer
Melissa Rubin
Greater Good Charities

"Animal Grantmakers is a unique space for members of the animal grantmaking community all over the world to learn, connect, and collaborate. The collective expertise and knowledge resident in Animal Grantmakers brings very useful and balanced perspectives to members’ work. Being a part of this group keeps me up to date on the latest issues impacting grantmaking and animal welfare, making me a more effective animal funder."

Secretary

Sarah Washburn
Morris Animal Foundation

"Advancing health and welfare protections for all animals, whether domesticated or wild, requires individual actions amplified across a larger scale. Animal Grantmakers helps unify these contributions through collaboration and mutual assistance, connecting the daily work with our shared strategies to accelerate positive change for animals. Over the past 25 years, the thought partnerships and mutual assistance fostered through this organization have led to noticeable improvements and established a strong foundation for future progress. I'm privileged to learn from and contribute to this important community."

Jackie Ott Jaakola
EveryCat Health Foundation

“Animal Grantmakers advances animal welfare by supporting collaboration among philanthropic organizations dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Through sharing of expertise, passion, and strategic philanthropy, we strengthen these efforts and amplify lasting impact. I am honored to help further our collective work toward a healthier and more compassionate world for animals and the environment they depend on.”

Roxanne Nazir
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

“Animal Grantmakers is the only animal funder network in the world, empowering its members to leverage its resources and knowledge for greater impact on humans, animals, and the environment. I’m grateful to be part of a community seeking to build a truly global space for grantmakers to improve practice, innovate, collaborate, and ensure a kinder and safer world for all animals. Animal Grantmakers offers a unique opportunity to collectively advance systemic change, connecting complex social justice and animal issues, and offering a platform for collaboration. I’m excited to join the Board and contribute to this great work.”

Stien van der Ploeg
Animal Charity Evaluators

“Animal Grantmakers is more than a network—it’s a vital community for leading philanthropists dedicated to advancing animal protection across all species and causes of suffering. Through my work in animal advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration effectively drives meaningful change, ensuring that the most neglected individuals receive the attention they need. Animal Grantmakers provides space to connect with like-minded funders, share knowledge, and amplify our collective impact. I’m honored to serve on the Board, working and learning together to build a future where all animals are protected and respected."

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