The Foundation’s primary role is to receive donations and bequests, and to invest those funds in programs and services that advance animal welfare across Canada. We support innovative education, research, and outreach initiatives that make a meaningful difference for animals at the community, provincial, and national levels.
AWFC grants and programs are administered by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, composed of veterinarians, animal welfare scientists and other professionals who have broad experience in animal protection in Canada and the evaluation of grant requests and project outcomes.
Over the years, nearly 200 projects have received funding from the AWFC. These include animal charities’ programs, public lectures on animal welfare, and educational outreach activities for student animal welfare clubs on university and college campuses. Our Foundation’s activities and funding decisions for past recipients are visible and accessible to everyone.
Animal Welfare Organizations Grant
Our Animal Welfare Organizations (AWO) grant provides funding to projects that promote animal welfare through education, research, and public engagement. This grant is open to Canadian charities and non-profits, prioritizing initiatives that have a broad or replicable impact. We receive over 60 applications each year but can fund only up to 10 based on our available funds. Please consider donating to the AWFC and help us support more animal welfare charities that are enhancing the lives of animals across Canada.
You can read more about this grant here and explore past grant recipients.
Student Clubs
We offer grants of up to $2,000 to support animal welfare clubs at Canadian post-secondary institutions. These funds are intended for educational activities that promote animal welfare among club members, the broader student population, and, where possible, the general public. Examples of funded initiatives include guest speaker engagements, workshops, public outreach events, and educational field trips. For more information and to apply, please visit the AWFC Student Clubs page.
Public Lectures
We provide grants of up to $2,000 to support public lectures on animal welfare at Canadian universities. These lectures aim to engage both the general public and the student body in discussions about animal welfare issues. Eligible expenses include speaker honoraria, travel costs, venue rental, and event promotion. For more information and to apply, please visit the AWFC Public Lectures Grants page.
Memorial Awards
The Diane Minshall UBC
The Diane Minshall UBC Memorial Award, offered by the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada in collaboration with the Animal Care Committee at the University of British Columbia (UBC), honours the legacy of Diane Minshall – a compassionate and influential leader in laboratory animal care. This annual $500 award supports individuals at UBC and affiliated institutions who are committed to improving the welfare of animals used in research. Funds may be used for education and training costs related to conferences or meetings focused on laboratory animal welfare.
You can read more about this grant on the Diane Minshall page, and you can find past recipients here.
The Dr. Carol Morgan
The Dr. Carol Morgan Memorial Award, established by the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada in collaboration with the Friends of Carol Morgan, honours Dr. Carol Anne Morgan’s dedication to ethical veterinary practice and animal welfare. This annual award provides financial support for continuing education and training in ethics and animal welfare to practicing veterinarians in Canada. Open to all veterinarians in good standing with their provincial veterinary association, the award aims to enhance the application of these subjects within the profession.
Explore more about this award on Dr. Carol Morgan’s page, and discover past awardees here.