A waving polar bear. Photo by Hans Jurgen Ma
By Claudia DeCasas and Tara Smith
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you consider how to support animals through your philanthropy?
For many, they think of animal shelters, a local humane society, or conservation groups working to save endangered species. While those organizations are fundamental in taking care of animals, they do not necessarily give us the full picture of the diverse needs of animals that could be addressed through our philanthropy. Many, if not all of them, intersect with human, environmental, or climate related issue areas.
One notable example that has caught our attention is the construction of a wildlife overpass in California, designed to ensure secure wildlife passage across US-101. This endeavor aims to benefit numerous wild animals, with a particular focus on the Mountain Lion, which has been experiencing increasing mortality rates with its efforts to cross the dangerous highways. Another example is how allowing wild horses to roam free helps to curb wildfires. Protecting these horses is an innovative approach to protecting our homes and the environment, while also keeping wild animals free. Whether it’s protecting endangered whales from boat strikes or defending our friendly pollinators, the wild bees, there is so much variety in how you can choose to make an impact.
If you are new to animal philanthropy, we hope this simple, 3-step guide will help you to find an issue you care about, connect with an organization, and take the next steps toward making an impact. We end the blog with a few of our favorites.
Step 1: Reflect on where your caring comes from.
You’re here, you’re reading this blog, so let’s assume you’re one of those people who has a warm place in their heart for the other living things we share this earth with. Have you ever stopped to reflect on where this caring comes from? Is there a specific moment that jumps out to you as an inspiration? It can be anything, a childhood pet that was very meaningful to you, tide pools that sparked an interest in ocean life, a report you wrote on the endangered red wolf population, or maybe a food sensitivity that set you on a path to research farmed animal advocacy.
Now, without judgment, reflect on this moment. Maybe you have more than one. Consider these reflection questions:
Why do you think this particular moment is meaningful to you?
What emotions were you feeling in that moment? Were they positive or negative?
Are there any other events in your life that have made you feel a similar spark of interest or empathy? If so, what’s the common factor in these events?
Let’s translate this moment, this spark, and define it as an actual interest area. This doesn’t have to be an interest that you’re already knowledgeable about. For Lecia Mata, co-founder of Natives in Vet Med, her spark was her childhood interaction with dogs on her reservation, or “rez dogs”. This spark eventually led to her interest in and eventual contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.
Consider your moment, consider yourself, and consider your community, and how each of these things overlap with the animals all around us. What interest bubbles to the surface? Consider these reflection questions:
How broad or narrow is your interest in animals (is it as broad as a rainforest ecosystem or as specific as a particular animal in that rainforest)?
How has your interest evolved, has it stayed the same or changed?
Are you happy with your current level of involvement or is there more you’d like to do and/or learn?
Is this interest already incorporated into your current giving?
What barriers (if any) are holding you back from being as involved as you’d like to be?
Step 2: Find and evaluate the organization you are interested in.
Now that you’ve explored and identified your interest area, you’ll want to find the organizations that are doing the work you’re passionate about. If there are gaps in your knowledge about your area of interest, these organizations are also a resource to fill in those gaps. You can start with a simple Google search. Read through mission statements. Do the ideas resonate with you? Do they align with your own mission and values?
Once you have started your list, there are several additional resources you can use to further research your choices. You can look at a nonprofit’s 990 form - there is a lot there to learn from and it’s simpler to do than you’d think! We like this article that breaks down what to look for on a 990 and why it matters. Charity Navigator has a ranking system for nonprofits, this tool is most useful for larger organizations. If you’re able to give five or six figures gifts, you can consult with a philanthropic advisor. Advisors can also look at your current giving patterns and interests and help you develop a long-term giving plan that has meaningful impact. Lastly and most importantly, don’t forget that the organizations themselves are a resource. Reach out to the organizations that you are interested in and find ways to get involved.
Remember, these resources, while helpful, are not the only factors to consider when deciding where to give. Consider adding some smaller underfunded local organizations to your list. Consider that nonprofits run by people of color receive less grant money. Consider the fact that “ugly” animals are often left out of major conservation efforts.
If you find yourself needing additional support in your research, you can always reach out to us. We’re happy to help where we can!,
Step 3: Determine how you want to support the organization and cause.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of organizations, decide how you want to support and engage the cause you care about. Here are some ways you can support a nonprofit using “The Five Ts”*:
Time: Volunteer virtually or in person with an organization.
Treasure: Donate funds to support an organization's work and mission.
Ties: Connect a nonprofit organization that you care about with other donors or other organizations that are engaged in the same work. Creating connections is a powerful way to drive change in the sector.
Talent: Use your special skill to contribute. Nonprofits have a variety of needs and could benefit from one of your specialized skills.
Testimony: Speak to the organization's mission, work, and impact with other professionals and donors. Be their advocate!
*Keep in mind that the T’s can be solo or work together! Find a giving groove that best suits your style.
We hope this roadmap proves helpful and that you are able to connect with an animal cause that you care about. Should you have any questions on the topic, please reach out. We’d love to connect with you and help guide your giving.
Tara’s Picks
Harbin SHS Animal Rescue / Harbin SHS is an international organization based in Harbin, China, that primarily rescues dogs from the illegal meat-trade, along with local abuse, neglect, and abandonment cases.
Wild Horse Fire Brigade / Based on the West Coast, Wild Horse Fire Brigade saves wild horses through conservation and relocation efforts, and advocates for rewilding to prevent wildfires, protect the environment, and keep horses free.
The Humane League /The Humane League is a national organization that advocates for humane farming policies and legislative action to end the abuse of animals that are raised for food.
Claudia’s Picks
Anti-Persoonsmijnen Ontmijnende Product Ontwikkeling (APOPO) / In English, APOPO translates to “Anti-Personnel Landmines Detection Product Development”. APOPO is a Dutch organization that saves lives by training animals to rid the world of landmines and tuberculosis.
Old Dog Haven / Based in western Washington, Old Dog Haven helps senior dogs find safe and loving living situations through a large network of foster homes.
House Rabbit Society / A national organization headquartered in Richmond, CA, House Rabbit Society’s mission is to rescue, educate, and elevate the plight of domestic rabbits.