Animal Grantmakers to Host 2023 Conference in Philadelphia
Credit: Animal Grantmakers
Animal Grantmakers, a group of philanthropic funders focused on protecting and enabling the wellbeing of all animals, will convene its members, other peer funders, grantees and other experts, and leaders of animal and environmental protection organizations from Sunday, October 22 to Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at the Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. Held exclusively for foundations, other philanthropic entities, and individuals that make grants that protect animals or enhance their wellbeing, the aim of the 2023 Animal Grantmakers Conference is to point to ways to cooperate and coordinate efforts to create synergy and strengthen impact.
Sponsored by PetSmart Charities, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Summerlee Foundation, Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, Morris Animal Foundation, Tigers in America, The Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, and an anonymous donor, the 2023 conference program will provide an unparalleled opportunity to hear from leading experts in animal protection and other philanthropic sectors whose interests intersect with animals in some way on many challenging issues, topics, and trends relevant to funders.
“This year’s theme, ‘All Together Now: A Declaration of Interdependence,’ echoes the One Health concept of the interconnectedness of animals, people, and the environment, as well as the undeniable impact of broader societal issues on animal concerns,” said Larry Green, Board president of Animal Grantmakers and external affairs officer at the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control. “The 2023 conference will also provide opportunities to work together and learn from each other, and offer a deep dive into grantmaking best practices.”
Presentations will cover such topics as: innovative practices at companion animal shelters and animal sanctuaries; strategic campaigns and programs protecting specific groups of animals, such as urban birds / wildlife and animals used in research; the interplay between climate change and animals; animal-related social work and the human-animal connection; the correlation between happiness and animal welfare and the environment; the interconnection between the wellbeing of animals and the wellbeing of communities; laws and UN policy issues advancing animal protection worldwide; documentary film in animal advocacy; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in animal philanthropy; the history of the animal rights movement in Philadelphia, and more.
Highlights of this year’s conference include: a choice of field trips to Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, ACCT Philly, and an animal rights and vegan history walking tour with the American Vegan Society in Old City; an opening night reception; a gala dinner and keynote presentation from Beth Allgood, founder and executive director of OneNature; a panel with two speakers from the U.K., Dr. Sean Butler, director of the Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law at the University of Cambridge, and Dr. James Yeates, chief executive officer of World Federation for Animals; a series of “Lightning Talks,” short solo presentations aimed to inspire, and spark new ideas and grantmaking approaches; a screening of a new documentary about the impact of factory farming followed by a conversation with the filmmakers; a full afternoon of interactive workshops designed to strengthen attendees’ grantcraft, unveil new opportunities to collaborate, and more; and an evening of dine-arounds to some of Philadelphia’s best vegan restaurants.
“One of the things that excites us the most about this conference is the opportunity to advance social change from an animal protection perspective,” said conference co-chairs Sue Leary, president of Alternatives Research and Development Foundation, and Kathy Tietje, chief program officer at Morris Animal Foundation. “Additionally, since many of the sessions will cover topics of interest to funders from other subsectors of philanthropy, the conference is a chance to elevate the cause of animal protection within the broader field.”
Registration and hotel information, including links and deadlines, can be found on the 2023 Conference landing page.
Representatives of non-member grantmaking organizations who are interested in learning more about Animal Grantmakers may be eligible to attend their first conference at no charge; to learn more, contact us here.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.
