Strategic Animal Funding Circle: Applications open for autumn 2026

Published on October 8, 2026 5:19 PM GMT Applications open: Strategic Animal Funding Circle autumn 2026 round The Strategic Animal Funding Circle, now run by Senterra Funders, is accepting applications for its autumn 2026 funding round. We’re seeking promising, cost-effective opportunities to reduce farmed and wild animal suffering, with a particular focus on neglected areas and funding gaps. Application deadline: 1 November 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Read the full request for proposals | Apply here What we’re looking for Our aim is to complement existing grantmaking by supporting valuable work that might otherwise struggle to attract funding. We’re especially interested in: Smaller or newer organisations with promising approaches and room to grow. Neglected species, geographies or interventions. Early-stage or unusual approaches with a strong theory of change. Opportunities outside larger grantmakers’ scope, including smaller funding requests (under $200k), and organisations with annual budgets below US$500,000. These funding and budget figures describe preferences, rather than strict eligibility limits. Please consult the full RFP for the eligibility criteria, areas of interest and exclusions. We are working with Coefficient Giving and the EA Animal Welfare Fund to help identify gaps where the circle could add value. What makes a strong application? We want to understand: How your work could make a meaningful difference for animals. Why you expect it to be cost-effective, and what evidence or reasoning supports that expectation. What additional funding would enable. Why that funding is difficult to secure elsewhere. How the work could scale if it succeeds. For newer or more unusual approaches, a clear explanation of the theory of change, key uncertainties and how you plan to test them would be particularly useful. How the process works The circle brings together donors to review and discuss funding opportunities. It is not a pooled fund: participating donors make their own grant decisions. The process begins with a short application. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for further information or an interview. Review and discussion will take place in November, with final funding coordination planned for early December. We aim to keep the application process proportionate to the funding requested. As noted in the application form, we will only contact applicants whose proposals appear to be a good fit and cannot provide individual application feedback. Apply or share Submit an application by 1 November 2026, 11:59 pm PST. Discuss