About
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit founded in 1951 and dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people. For more than 70 years, AWI has worked to improve the welfare of animals everywhere: in agriculture, in commerce, in our homes and communities, in research, and in the wild. It is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 13-5655952) headquartered at 900 Pennsylvania Avenue SE in Washington, DC.
Mission
AWI is dedicated to alleviating animal suffering caused by people, with a vision of a world where treatment of animals is rooted in dignity and compassion. It pursues scientifically grounded protections for animals in all settings, and robust enforcement of those protections.
What they do
AWI works through strategically crafted policy and legal advocacy, educational programs, research and analysis, and engagement with policymakers, scientists, industry, educators, other NGOs, the media, and the public. Its program areas include:
- Animals in laboratories, including refinements to laboratory animal care
- Companion animals
- Equines, including horse racing, slaughter, soring, and wild horses
- Farmed animals and conditions in industrial agriculture
- Marine wildlife
- Terrestrial wildlife
History
AWI was founded in 1951 by Christine Stevens, who established the organization to end cruel treatment of animals in experimental laboratories. Her advocacy subsequently expanded to address animal extinctions, factory farming practices, steel-jaw leghold traps, and commercial whaling. The IRS issued the organization's tax exemption in March 1953.
Financials
Per IRS filings compiled by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the Animal Welfare Institute reported total revenue of $7,972,836 and total functional expenses of $7,216,776 for fiscal year 2024, with total assets of $28,192,619 at year end.
Governance and ratings
AWI's board of directors is chaired by Caroline A. Griffin, with Cathy Liss as vice chair and Alan E. Kessock as secretary and treasurer; board members include Rhema Bjorkland, Mary Lee Jensvold, Chris Miller, and William S. Stokes. The organization is also advised by a scientific committee. AWI holds the Candid Gold Seal (2025), is a BBB Accredited Charity, and has a Charity Navigator 4-star rating (2025).