Kindness in action: Animals Australia’s Global Grants program.

Animals Australia’s collaborative work expands globally, as we elevate effective advocates and compassionate leaders in the animal protection movement.  

We select projects and programs that ignite a belief in a higher potential for humanity, alleviate suffering for animals and inspire kindness and hope – sometimes in the most difficult or dangerous circumstances.

All the initiatives we grant share Animals Australia’s vision of a kinder world for all, and align with our values.  

What is an emergency grant? 

We define an emergency as an unforeseen or unusual situation that causes significant and enduring suffering to a relatively large number of animals. This may include environmental disasters – such as fires, floods, droughts, cyclones, or earthquakes – or significant human-made accidents, or events.

Our definition also extends to unexpected, prolonged, or ongoing situations that adversely impact animal welfare, such as global pandemics, war, or significant political unrest.

Goal of emergency grants

Animals can be the first to suffer in emergencies and the last to receive help. Many face abandonment on the streets or are left stranded or injured in need of veterinary care.

Our emergency grants are given as one-off financial assistance to deliver immediate relief and alleviate suffering during crises or emergency situations. They aim to improve animal welfare outcomes in the short to medium term.  

Emergency grant applications are open all year. 

What is a high impact grant?

This program has been developed to support standout organisations helping animals globally. These grants recognise inspirational, unique, critical, and innovative projects that align directly with Animals Australia’s values and vision. 

These will typically be shorter-term projects with a start and finish date, delivering meaningful and practical outcomes that directly impact animals.  

We will prioritise projects that help animals suffering in the greatest numbers globally and with the least protection from cruelty – such as farmed animals.

Goal of high impact grants

These grants support projects and initiatives designed to help large numbers of animals over longer periods of time. They seek to challenge harmful systemic practices and industries, using consciousness-shifting strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Projects will typically focus on: 

• Transforming food systems (endorse plant-based food systems) 
• Challenging, changing or creating laws that better protect animals 
• Exposing and dismantling harmful practices and industries (animals used in entertainment, tourism or experimentation)

OUR HIGH IMPACT GRANTS ARE NOW OPEN (1st March 2026)
Applications will be assessed twice a year, March and September. 

We recognise that animals and advocates need help worldwide, and that countless projects are deserving of financial assistance. However, as we do not have the resources to assist them all, we will select applicants based on the following criteria:

• Are registered organisations  

• Have a proven track record of achieving success or progress with limited resources  

• Are running projects that aim to create long-term, lasting change within the community

• Are working in areas or on issues where little to no other help for animals is available 

• Are reputable, credible and have working relationships with local authorities and the broader community 

• Are locally led and run, with sound local knowledge, networks, and resources 

• Do not use animals for entertainment or labour (e.g. being ridden, required to work, perform or be exhibited for human interaction) 

• Do not use grant funds solely for salaries. Priority will be given to those who are seeking support for project costs over salary expenses. 

What we don’t fund

• General expenses for animal shelters and sanctuaries 

• Programs that keep wild animals captive long-term 

• Programs that use captive breeding programs  

• Programs that exhibit animals or encourage human animal interactions 

• Programs that use animals for entertainment, or experimentation
  
• Commercial (for profit) businesses

Trap, Neuter, Release programs 

Animals Australia proudly supports three ongoing TNR programs globally in Jordan, Myanmar and Indonesia. We are not currently accepting applications for TNR program work. 

Eligibility 

Due to the high demand for project funding in the animal protection space, we prioritise applications based on the uniqueness, scale, and impact of each project, as well as the number of animals supported. Priority is also given to applicants advocating for animals that suffer in the greatest numbers and have the least protection- such as farmed animals.

We may also prioritise applications from organisations who have not yet received funding from Animals Australia, or who do not have established support networks and revenue streams. 

Requirements 

• Applications must be completed and submitted by those legally responsible for the organisation

• We may ask for a reference to be provided to support your application

• We ask applicants for full financial transparency through the submission of audited financial records

• Successful applicants will be required to adhere to formal reporting processes to account for money spent on activities or projects that the grant program funds

• Successful grant applicants will be asked to share imagery of their work and acknowledge support from Animals Australia 

How to apply 

If you believe your organisation meets our grant criteria, you are welcome to submit an expression of interest through the form below.

If your expression of interest passes our initial assessment, we will invite you to complete a full application form so we can learn more about your work and the support you’re seeking.

Please note that our small team receives a large number of requests for support and as such, we prioritize responding to successful expressions of interest.