Humane America Animal Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $9,624,426 (2023)
• Total Assets: $39,817,992
• Grant Range: $5,130 - $1,505,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily California, District of Columbia, and New York; also international grants in underserved countries
• Number of Grants: 84 awards in 2023; 44 awards in 2022; 26 awards in 2021

Contact Details

Address: Claremont, CA

Phone: (415) 755-6824

Website: https://www.humaneamerica.org/

Email: info@humaneamerica.org (general inquiries)

Overview

Founded in 2000 by CEO David Meyer, Humane America Animal Foundation is a Claremont, California-based public charity with total assets of nearly $40 million and annual giving of approximately $9.6 million (2023). The foundation's vision is "a world that is more humane," and its mission is to "create, implement, and promote innovative and effective programs that have significant and measurable benefits for animals and people."

While the foundation initially focused on companion animal welfare—notably founding Adopt-a-Pet.com, which became the world's largest nonprofit pet adoption website—the organization has strategically shifted its primary focus toward farm animal welfare and food system transformation. The foundation has earned recognition in the sector and received significant funding including grants from Open Philanthropy for farm animal welfare regranting.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Animal Welfare Fund (Currently Closed)

• Grant Range: Historically $5,130 - $1,505,000, with $74,000 awarded specifically through this companion animal fund
• Purpose: Provides grants to nonprofit animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuary organizations to promote humane treatment, rescue and rehabilitation, find lasting homes, or provide safe havens for animals in need
• Status: Applications are no longer being accepted as the foundation received four times as many applications as they could fund

Food System Research Fund

• Purpose: Supports academic research projects whose learnings will inform actions designed to speed a transition of the food system to one that does not rely on animals
• Application Method: Research grant applications through specific program channels

International Grants

• Purpose: Identifies and makes grants to particularly impactful organizations and programs in underserved countries around the world
• Application Process: Strategic identification and invitation-based

Priority Areas

• Organizations working to improve farmed animal welfare
• Academic research on food system transformation toward sustainable proteins
• Plant-based diet promotion and acceleration
• Animal shelters facing financial need or serving high-impact communities
• Rescue organizations and sanctuaries

What They Don't Fund

• Individual requests for assistance with veterinary bills
• Organizations that do not qualify as 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Projects outside their strategic focus areas

Governance and Leadership

David Meyer - Co-Founder and CEO

• Co-founded Humane America Animal Foundation in 2000
• Previously founded Adopt-a-Pet.com

Tracy Spencer - Director of Finance and HR

Board of Directors

• Melissa Will - Chair
• Kristrun Hjartar - Secretary
• Cristopher Levy - Treasurer
• Joseph Lepera - Legal Advisor to the Board

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation's Animal Welfare Fund is NOT currently accepting unsolicited applications. As stated on their website, "applications are no longer being accepted for the Animal Welfare Grants, as they have already received four times as many applications as they can fund."

When previously open:

• Applications were accepted on a rolling basis through their website
• Organizations needed to be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Focus was on animal shelters, rescues, and sanctuary organizations

Getting on Their Radar

Given that most grant programs operate through strategic identification rather than open application processes:

• Join their mailing list at humaneamerica.org for updates about when the Animal Welfare Fund might reopen
• Contact info@humaneamerica.org to express interest in future funding rounds
• Organizations working on farm animal welfare or food system transformation should ensure their work is visible in the sector
• The foundation values data-driven approaches and measurable impact

Decision Timeline

When the Animal Welfare Fund was open, applications were reviewed on a rolling basis.

Success Rates

Recent round: Approximately 13% success rate (received over 100 applications but only had funds for about 13 grants)

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Reapplication opportunities will depend on when/if the Animal Welfare Fund reopens.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrated Need and Impact:

• The foundation explicitly seeks "the most impactful or needy nonprofit animal shelters, rescues or sanctuary organizations"
• Organizations should clearly articulate both their community need and their capacity to create measurable impact
• Example: Charlie's Angels used their grant to purchase dog food for a local food pantry, demonstrating community impact beyond direct animal care

Strategic Alignment:

• Organizations should understand the foundation's strategic shift toward farm animal welfare and food system transformation
• For companion animal grants, demonstrate how your work aligns with creating "a more humane world"
• Show how your programs provide measurable benefits for both animals and people

Evidence-Based Approaches:

• Applications should demonstrate data-driven decision-making and measurable outcomes
• Show capacity to scale impact with funding
• Demonstrate efficient use of resources and strong organizational governance

Past Grant Recipients Include:

• St. Francis Society Inc.
• Bama Bully Rescue, Inc.
• A New Beginning Pet Rescue, Inc.
• Charlie's Angels

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Applications Currently Closed: The Animal Welfare Fund received overwhelming response (4x capacity) and is not accepting new applications. Monitor their website for updates.
• Strategic Focus Has Shifted: Primary focus has moved to farm animal welfare and food system transformation, though companion animal grants are still maintained.
• Extremely Competitive: With approximately 13% success rate in recent rounds, applications must demonstrate exceptional need and impact.
• Significant Resources Available: With $9.6 million in annual giving, this is a substantial funder when grants are available.
• Build Visibility: With most programs operating through strategic identification, building sector visibility is crucial.
• Demonstrate Impact: The foundation values data-driven approaches and measurable outcomes.
• Multiple Opportunities: Beyond companion animal grants, explore opportunities through the Food System Research Fund and international programs.

References

1. Humane America Animal Foundation Official Website - https://www.humaneamerica.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
2. Humane America Animal Foundation Programs Page - https://www.humaneamerica.org/our-programs (Accessed March 2026)
3. Humane America Animal Foundation Animal Welfare Fund Page - https://www.humaneamerica.org/animal-welfare-fund (Accessed March 2026)
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Humane America Animal Foundation
5. Instrumentl 990 Report - Humane America Animal Foundation
6. Candid Foundation Directory - Humane America Animal Foundation
7. GuideStar Profile - Humane America Animal Foundation