The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada was incorporated as a federal charitable foundation in 1965.  The principal function of the Foundation is to accept donations and legacies and to use those funds to support direct services and programs for animals in need, and innovative educational and research programs that help 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 of animal protection in Canada and in the evaluation of grant requests and project outcomes. 
 
Tom the cat
  • Promoting interest in the study of animal welfare and assisting research into specific animal welfare problems.
  • Preventing cruelty and encouraging consideration for all animals.
  • Providing for the holding of lectures, seminars, or any course of education with respect to the welfare of animals.
  • Assisting in the establishment, development, and support of any organizations with objects similar or compementary to the aforesaid whether or not they are affiliated with any provincial or national humane society.
  • Encouraging and assisting in enforcement of all laws enacted for the protection of animals.
  • Supporting in general the objects of provincial humane societies in any manner whatsoever.

Since its beginning in 1965, the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada has made grants in support of animal welfare work in excess of $1,000,000.

Cattle drive in Alberta's spring. Photo courtesy of Susan Church