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Eligibility

Regular Membership

Regular membership in Animal Grantmakers is open to foundations, other grantmaking organizations, giving programs, and individuals that are engaged in grantmaking that benefits animals, at least in part, and that give $25,000 or more per year on behalf of animal protection (and have done so for at least one full year), and whose giving is purely charitable in purpose or the organization itself is chartered for the sole purpose of animal grantmaking. These can include private foundations, corporate foundations or contributions programs, community foundations and affiliated funds, donor-advised funds with a specific focus on animal protection, public charities* that engage in consistent and significant animal grantmaking, and individual philanthropists. Other types of entities and giving vehicles may also be eligible. Applications are reviewed by the Board of Directors.

*Grantmaking public charities (organizations that receive donations from the public and also award funds to other organizations) must either: a) award at least $1 million or more in grants annually (in any program area), and / or b) dedicate at least 35% of their total expenses to grantmaking annually (in any program area).

Associate Membership

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.

Additionally, individuals who advise and facilitate grants from funders to non-profit organizations whose programs help animals and who are not representatives of regular members in Animal Grantmakers are eligible for Associate Membership. Examples include philanthropic advisors, charitable trust managers, foundation asset managers, etc.

The cost for Associate Membership is $500 per year. Members in this category may designate two representatives in Animal Grantmakers and receive one free Annual Conference registration. Additionally, Associate Members are non-voting members of Animal Grantmakers.

Interpretation of these criteria is at the discretion of the Animal Grantmakers Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also reserves the right to review a member’s fulfillment of these criteria at any time. Members may not use their participation in Animal Grantmakers for promotional purposes or for private gain. Animal Grantmakers reserves the right to deny membership or remove a member if an applicant or member’s actions reflect poorly on the field and might harm Animal Grantmakers’ reputation. Lawsuits, federal or state investigations, consumer boycotts, or other significant actions against an applicant, member, or affiliated organization could potentially raise such concern.