2023 Animal Grantmakers Conference - Philadelphia

This diverse group of philanthropists works locally, regionally, nationally and internationally on issues involving companion animals, captive and free-ranging wildlife, farmed animals and animals used in research, among others. Conference registration is strictly limited to members of funding organizations.

• Conference Hotel Room Block Deadline: September 30, 2023
• Conference Registration Deadline: October 14, 2023.
• Conference Field Trip Sign-up Deadline: October 14, 2023

(Subject to Change)

Join fellow funders working to protect and ensure the wellbeing of all types of animals at the 2023 Animal Grantmakers Conference in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 22 – 25, 2023. The 24th Annual Conference will offer an unsurpassed opportunity to engage with peers, grantees, scientists, academics, and other experts in the field to strengthen our collective impact. With interdependence as this year’s theme, this unparalleled conference will feature:

• Three amazing field trips: 1) Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines; 2) ACCT Philly; and 3) an animal rights vegan history walking tour.
• Many opportunities to socialize with friends both old and new at three receptions, a gala dinner, and group meals and breaks. You may also sign up to join others for an informal “dine-around” at a local vegan-friendly eatery. Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks anyone?
• Rich presentations and discussions with leading experts on a wide range of animals and animal issues, with a focus on interdependence and intersectionality.
• Several interactive workshops on such topics as advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal protection and where animal philanthropy should be in 2030 (you’ll have the chance to attend two of these three).
• Speakers from abroad, namely Sean Butler from Cambridge Centre for Animal Rights Law and James Yeates from World Federation for Animals (both from the U.K.).
• An afternoon of Lightning Talks (shorter solo presentations inspired by last year’s TED-style Talks).
• Presentation of the 2nd Annual Melanie Anderson LEAP Award.
• Other dynamic formats, including film, panel discussions, and a dinner keynote from Beth Allgood, founder and executive director of One Nature.
• Informal breakfast conversations.

Reserve your room at Sofitel Philadelphia by September 30.

Book your hotel reservations at Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square before the deadline: BOOK ONLINE or CALL 1-215-569-8300 and ask for the Animal Grantmakers Conference Room Block to get the group rate of $255+taxes for King Room. Rate available October 21-26, 2023.

Room Block closed on Saturday, September 30, 2023. After this date, contact Lisa Rapps, conference@animalgrantmakers.org for availability.

Check in time: 4PM; Check out time: 12PM.

Parking fees : Daily Valet $36 . Overnight per day : $63.

Sofitel Philadelphia is pet friendly! One pet up to 30 lbs. is welcome for a $300 refundable deposit. Both dogs and cats are allowed.

Three amazing field trips: 1) Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines; 2) ACCT Philly; and 3) an animal rights vegan history walking tour. All field trips depart from the Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square Hotel.

SUNDAY FIELD TRIPS

Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Founded in 1888, Ryerss Farm is the country’s oldest non-profit organization of its kind, dedicated to providing a comfortable retirement for horses, which faithfully served their former owners or which were rescued from abusive situations.

Trip includes roundtrip transportation from the conference hotel to/from Ryerss and a vegan meal.

ACCT Philly (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

ACCT Philly is the region’s largest animal care and control service provider, serving the City of Philadelphia by contract. ACCT Philly offers adoption, foster and volunteer programs as well as owner surrender prevention resources. Located in North Philadelphia, it takes in nearly 18,000 animals annually, from dogs and cats, to small animals, reptiles, birds and wildlife.

Trip includes roundtrip transportation from the conference hotel to/from ACCT Philly and a vegan meal.

American Vegan Center - Veg History Walking Tour (3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Hosted by American Vegan Center. Trip includes a guide walking tour of vegan history in Philadelphia. AVS serves as a leading source of accurate vegan information for those inquiring about the lifestyle, whether in person or via media channels. AVS provides positive, helpful encouragement to anyone transitioning to vegan. AVS's goal is to increase public knowledge and understanding of veganism in the US. AVS maintains a free, resource-packed website to provide valuable information and tools to everyone from new vegans, or the vegan-curious, to lifelong vegans wanting to find vegan news, info on menu options and vegfests, or tasty, easy-to-use recipes.

Tour will depart from the conference hotel.

WEDNESDAY FIELD TRIP

American Vegan Center - Veg History Walking Tour (9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

This trip is a repeat of Sunday's walking tour. Learn Philly’s unique vegetarian history while strolling through Old City just steps away from the conference hotel with the American Vegan Society. Walk the same streets as historic figures like Benjamin Lay, the Grimke Sisters, Sylvester Graham, Alfoncie Austin, and even Benjamin Franklin! All of these helped move Philadelphia’s veg history forward.

Please help us cover our 2023 Conference costs!

Animal Grantmakers depends, in great part, upon the dues it receives from its funder members to present a stellar conference every year in a different region of the country. Unfortunately, the gap between annual dues revenue and conference costs has been growing wider every year for several years.

A core benefit of Animal Grantmakers membership is two free conference registrations. While Animal Grantmakers has not increased members’ dues in more than five years nor made any changes to its conference registration policy for members, our core Annual Conference costs have increased significantly due, primarily, to rising inflation. Although Animal Grantmakers seeks sponsorships each year to offset its conference costs, it has become increasingly difficult to rely solely on conference sponsorships to make up deficits as we put together an incomparable event.

Because this event is free to member representatives who make up the majority of our participants, increasing registration costs for non-members will not fully cover the budget differences. We ask that you please consider making a donation to help Animal Grantmakers ensure that we can continue to create the incredible event we all look forward to each year. Because Animal Grantmakers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, your donation is tax-deductible.

Thank you very much for your support!

All conference participants, including speakers and moderators, are expected to abide by Animal Grantmakers’ Conference Code of Conduct, which states:

Animal Grantmakers (an affinity group for animal protection funders) honors the intrinsic dignity, autonomy, potential, and worth of all people; and values the diversity of views, expertise, opinions, backgrounds, and experiences of its audience.

The Animal Grantmakers Annual Conference is intended to provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for funders of animal protection and causes that intersect with animal issues to: network; hear from leading experts on many challenging issues, topics, and trends relevant to their funding activities; and, enhance their grantcraft.

To that end, this conference promotes an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, supportive, collaborative, and productive for all participants, including speakers, attendees, vendors, sponsors, and staff/consultants.

To ensure a successful conference, all participants are expected to abide by the following principles:

• Kindness and courtesy toward fellow participants
• Open and respectful communication
• Respect for diversity of opinions
• Professionalism

Animal Grantmakers, and its agents, may take any action deemed necessary, including immediate removal from the conference without warning or refund, against any participant who engages in inappropriate behavior.

Animal Grantmakers is exploring the possibility of making select presentations available for viewing online after the conference. Please stay tuned.

Learn More: https://animalgrantmakers.org/

Note: the Animal Grantmakers Conference is not open to the general public. Participation is limited to members of Animal Grantmakers and to organizations that are primarily grantmakers.