In conversations with effective altruists, we sometimes hear there’s a perception that GFI is sufficiently or even well-funded. Or that there’s less scope for impact in giving to an established charity.
I’ve also heard the argument that GFI should be supported by climate-focused donors, and that money from EA animal-welfare donors should go to other animal charities. If I, as an animal advocate, donate to GFI, is there a risk that GFI would then pass up opportunities to secure additional funding from climate philanthropists (where I assume there is more money overall)?
One of the strengths of alternative proteins is that they have a broad impact on everything from climate and animal welfare to food security and global health. Because of this, GFI naturally attracts supporters who are motivated by very different cause areas.
To your question, no, receiving money from animal-welfare inspired donors does not mean we’ll pass up on opportunities from climate philanthropists. The funding gap for alternative proteins is so large that support from any donor, no matter their motivation for giving, increases our ability to pursue additional opportunities across the ecosystem.
You may have seen in my previous comments on this post that the ClimateWorks Foundation estimates that the world needs about $10.1 billion per year in public funding just for alternative protein R&D and scale-up. In comparison, GFI’s total annual budget is about $40 million across seven organisations, with Europe receiving just under $5 million. So there’s no risk that animal welfare donors will remove the need for climate donors.
You mentioned that there is more funding available in the climate space than in animal welfare. This is true; globally, climate philanthropy is estimated at around $9.3 billion to $15.8 billion per year, compared with around $290 million per year for farmed animal welfare. But, according to the ClimateWorks Foundation, only around 2% of climate philanthropy goes to the food system. And within that, as you can imagine, only a small portion supports alternative proteins.
GFI has been recommended by Giving Green as one of their top climate nonprofits for several years now, and we’re seeing a growing proportion of donors who come to us because of our climate impact. That said, it takes time to build awareness, relationships, and trust in a new philanthropic space; so a significant amount of GFI’s core funding still comes from donors who are more motivated by animal welfare. This support is vital for enabling us to continue and expand our work.
Every year, GFI’s global team identifies the most impactful work needed to improve the taste and reduce the price of alternative proteins, so that we’re able to reach mass adoption as quickly as possible. Meeting our fundraising goals directly affects how fast we get there.
So we’re really grateful for any and all support. And by having a diverse donor base, GFI is more financially stable and resilient as an organisation, which in turn makes us better equipped to carry out our mission.
Thanks again for your question. I hope this response is helpful.
I’ve also heard the argument that GFI should be supported by climate-focused donors, and that money from EA animal-welfare donors should go to other animal charities. If I, as an animal advocate, donate to GFI, is there a risk that GFI would then pass up opportunities to secure additional funding from climate philanthropists (where I assume there is more money overall)?
Hi Felix,
Great question, thanks for asking!
One of the strengths of alternative proteins is that they have a broad impact on everything from climate and animal welfare to food security and global health. Because of this, GFI naturally attracts supporters who are motivated by very different cause areas.
To your question, no, receiving money from animal-welfare inspired donors does not mean we’ll pass up on opportunities from climate philanthropists. The funding gap for alternative proteins is so large that support from any donor, no matter their motivation for giving, increases our ability to pursue additional opportunities across the ecosystem.
You may have seen in my previous comments on this post that the ClimateWorks Foundation estimates that the world needs about $10.1 billion per year in public funding just for alternative protein R&D and scale-up. In comparison, GFI’s total annual budget is about $40 million across seven organisations, with Europe receiving just under $5 million. So there’s no risk that animal welfare donors will remove the need for climate donors.
You mentioned that there is more funding available in the climate space than in animal welfare. This is true; globally, climate philanthropy is estimated at around $9.3 billion to $15.8 billion per year, compared with around $290 million per year for farmed animal welfare. But, according to the ClimateWorks Foundation, only around 2% of climate philanthropy goes to the food system. And within that, as you can imagine, only a small portion supports alternative proteins.
GFI has been recommended by Giving Green as one of their top climate nonprofits for several years now, and we’re seeing a growing proportion of donors who come to us because of our climate impact. That said, it takes time to build awareness, relationships, and trust in a new philanthropic space; so a significant amount of GFI’s core funding still comes from donors who are more motivated by animal welfare. This support is vital for enabling us to continue and expand our work.
Every year, GFI’s global team identifies the most impactful work needed to improve the taste and reduce the price of alternative proteins, so that we’re able to reach mass adoption as quickly as possible. Meeting our fundraising goals directly affects how fast we get there.
So we’re really grateful for any and all support. And by having a diverse donor base, GFI is more financially stable and resilient as an organisation, which in turn makes us better equipped to carry out our mission.
Thanks again for your question. I hope this response is helpful.
Alex
Thank you!