Call for Applications: Animal Welfare Fund Grant Program

Deadline: December 31, 2026

The Animal Welfare Fund (AWF) supports projects that can improve the well-being of large numbers of nonhuman animals. Its priorities include farmed animal welfare, neglected species, research and advocacy in underfunded regions. Applications are currently open through Effective Altruism Funds. AWF is a pooled fund: it combines donations and directs them to animal welfare projects selected through an evaluation process. It focuses on opportunities where the scale of animal suffering is large and funding is relatively limited. Its assessment considers factors such as a project’s likely impact, cost-effectiveness and chance of success. AWF’s published 2026–2028 strategy identifies six areas: EA Funds’ application page lists a general grant range of US$1,000 to US$500,000. The amount requested should match the proposed work and its budget; the published range does not guarantee an award of any particular size. The original draft’s projection of a US$500,000 average grant in 2026–2027 and statement about requests of US$1 million or more could not be confirmed on the current application page, so applicants should not rely on those figures. EA Funds says it considers applications from individuals, projects, nonprofits and institutions. AWF actively seeks proposals from around the world. A relevant applicant should be able to explain how its work would improve animal welfare and why the proposed approach fits AWF’s priorities. Applicants should consult the current form and guidance for any further requirements that apply to their circumstances. AWF directs funding towards animals and regions that may receive comparatively little philanthropic attention. This includes farmed fish, shrimp and invertebrates, as well as advocacy in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Funding research, policy work and practical changes in farming can address suffering at a scale that extends beyond a single facility or project. Explain the animal welfare benefit in concrete terms. Distinguish what your project will do directly from outcomes that depend on companies, policymakers or other partners. If the approach is new, describe what the project will test and how you will use the findings. Keep the budget, activities and proposed timeframe consistent. What does the Animal Welfare Fund support? It supports promising work to improve nonhuman animal welfare, including advocacy, research, practical farmed animal improvements and work concerning neglected species. Can an individual apply? Yes. EA Funds lists people, as well as projects, nonprofits and institutions, among those it funds. Is there an application deadline? The EA Funds application page says it is always open to applications. What grant amount can I request? The general range shown on the application page is US$1,000 to US$500,000. Applicants should request an amount justified by their project budget. Does AWF fund work outside Europe and North America? Yes. Its stated priorities include animal welfare and advocacy work in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Are projects about fish or shrimp relevant? Yes. Aquatic animal welfare and more humane shrimp slaughter are explicit priorities in AWF’s 2026–2028 strategy. Does meeting a priority guarantee funding? No. AWF evaluates proposals and selects projects based on their expected effectiveness and other considerations. The Animal Welfare Fund is an option for applicants with a credible plan to improve animal welfare at scale, particularly through work on neglected animals or in underfunded regions. A clear account of the problem, proposed activities, expected impact and costs will help reviewers assess the proposal.