We connect philanthropists with outstanding giving opportunities to reduce the harms of factory farming.
Impact
We help philanthropists maximize the impact of their donations, ensuring their funds go where they can do the most good.
Evidence
Our recommendations are based on research, the current state of scientific evidence, and expert judgment.
Independence
Our advice is always free of charge allowing us to provide unbiased and impartial giving recommendations.
About Us
We connect philanthropists with outstanding giving opportunities to reduce the harms of factory farming.
Animal agriculture is intertwined with many of the world’s most pressing problems. The burgeoning global landscape of non-profit organizations offers high-impact opportunities for philanthropists to make a transformational difference for humans, animals, and our planet. Guided by research, impact assessment, and expert knowledge, we support philanthropists in navigating the dynamic and rapidly growing field.
“The scale and severity of animal suffering is so massive that it can induce a kind of paralysis: it can be hard to get a sense of how one could even begin to help. This is why trustworthy advisors are so important, and why the work that Focus Philanthropy does is so crucial.”
Matt Lerner, Research Director at Founders Pledge
“Focus Philanthropy is focused on one of the most important philanthropic targets: factory farming, which is a disaster for a vast number of animals, for the climate of our planet as well as the more immediate local environment, and carries with it major public health risks. The combined expertise of Leah Edgerton and Manja Gärtner makes Focus Philanthropy an outstanding source of advice on where to give.”
Peter Singer, Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University, and author, Animal Liberation
“Tackling factory farming is an urgent task. We are impressed by the depth and thoughtfulness of Focus Philanthropy's research and professionalism in providing advice on impactful giving opportunities. Thank you!”
Sally Tsai and Wayne Chang, Philanthropists
“When it comes to addressing the harms of industrial animal agriculture, there is currently a gap in large donor advisory and active grant making. I am confident that Manja Gärtner and Leah Edgerton with their extensive knowledge in this field and vigorous analytical approach will add a lot of value.”
Luke Ding, Philanthropist and Investor
“Some philanthropic opportunities to fight factory farming are much better than others. Focus Philanthropy can guide you toward maximizing the impact of your giving.”
Lewis Bollard, Farm Animal Welfare Senior Program Officer at Open Philanthropy
“Intensive animal agriculture contributes to many of the most pressing issues of our time, including animal suffering, climate change, environmental devastation, and public health risks. Having worked with Leah for years on our own grantmaking, we are thrilled that Focus Philanthropy will be able to provide evidence-based and personalized advice to help other funders make their donations go as far as possible.”
Sebastian Schwiecker, Founder and CEO at Effektiv Spenden
Leah Edgerton
Leah has been involved in animal advocacy and food systems change her entire life. Her experience—which ranges from volunteer grassroots campaigns to working at charities carrying out direct work, and from leading a team of researchers to advising funders—allows her to grasp the core issues and dynamics at stake from multiple perspectives. Having acted as a leader, mentor, and advisor in these contexts, she is passionate about understanding what motivates philanthropists to engage and supporting them in their growth, learning, and increased impact as they work towards creating a better world.
Manja Gärtner
Her interest in altruism has guided Manja throughout her career. With a Ph.D. in economics, she has extensive experience researching the reasons and circumstances that lead people to share their resources with others and contribute to public goods. Over the last few years, Manja has been applying her skills to promoting sustainable and ethical food systems change. She is passionate about supporting philanthropists in enabling the work of impactful organizations.
