Animal Legal Defense Fund is located in Cotati, CA. The organization was established in 1980. According to its NTEE Classification (D01) the organization is classified as: Alliances & Advocacy, under the broad grouping of Animal-Related and related organizations. As of 06/2022, Animal Legal Defense Fund employed 99 individuals. This organization is an independent organization and not affiliated with a larger national or regional group of organizations. Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) and as such, is described as a "Charitable or Religous organization or a private foundation" by the IRS.
For the year ending 06/2022, Animal Legal Defense Fund generated $15.1m in total revenue. This represents relatively stable growth, over the past 7 years the organization has increased revenue by an average of 4.5% each year. All expenses for the organization totaled $15.7m during the year ending 06/2022. While expenses have increased by 4.4% per year over the past 7 years. They've been increasing with an increasing level of total revenue. You can explore the organizations financials more deeply in the financial statements section below.
Since 2014, Animal Legal Defense Fund has awarded 71 individual grants totaling $7,276,049. If you would like to learn more about the grant giving history of this organization, scroll down to the grant profile section of this page.
Form
990
Mission & Program ActivityExcerpts From the 990 Filing
TAX YEAR
2022
Describe the Organization's Mission:
Part 3 - Line 1
TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF ANIMALS THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
Describe the Organization's Program Activity:
Part 3 - Line 4a
LITIGATION PROGRAMTHE LITIGATION PROGRAM FILES HIGH IMPACT LAWSUITS AGAINST INDIVIDUALS AND INDUSTRIES THAT EXPLOIT ANIMALS, INCLUDING FACTORY FARMS, PUPPY MILLS, RESEARCH LABORATORIES, AND ROADSIDE ZOOS. THE PROGRAM LITIGATES CASES IN STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS WITH THE GOAL OF STOPPING ABUSIVE PRACTICES AND SETTING GROUNDBREAKING PRECEDENT THAT WILL ESTABLISH JUSTICE FOR ANIMALS IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM. IN ADDITION TO SUING ANIMAL ABUSERS, THE LITIGATION PROGRAM OFTEN SUES STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES TO INVALIDATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS THAT HARM ANIMALS; AND INTERVENES IN LITIGATION TO DEFEND ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS WHEN THEY ARE UNDER SIEGE FROM INDUSTRIES THAT ABUSE ANIMALS.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMTHE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM IS STAFFED BY ATTORNEYS, INCLUDING FORMER PROSECUTORS, WITH EXPERTISE IN ANIMAL PROTECTION. THESE ATTORNEYS PROVIDE FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO PROSECUTORS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND VETERINARIANS HANDLING ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES INCLUDING: LEGAL RESEARCH, PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS, GRANT FUNDING TO HELP COVER THE COSTS OF CARING FOR SEIZED ANIMALS, NECESSARY FORENSIC WORK, AND SECURING AND FUNDING EXPERT WITNESSES INCLUDING VETERINARIANS, ANIMAL BEHAVIORISTS, AND EXPERTS ON ORGANIZED ANIMAL FIGHTING AND ANIMAL HOARDING. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROGRAM WORKS WITH STATE LEGISLATORS TO STRENGTHEN CRIMINAL ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS AND PRODUCES MODEL ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS AND ANNUAL RANKINGS REPORT ON EACH STATE'S ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS PROGRAMTHE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS PROGRAM WORKS AT THE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LEVELS WITH THE GOAL OF INCREASED LEGAL PROTECTIONS. THE PROGRAM ADVOCATES FOR LAWS THAT PROMOTE OR PROTECT THE LIVES AND INTERESTS OF ANIMALS AND OPPOSES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO ANIMALS' WELL-BEING AND INTERESTS. THE PROGRAM WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND'S OTHER PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE MODEL LEGISLATION THAT ADDRESSES STRATEGIC LEGAL ISSUES IN THE AREAS OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW.
ANIMAL LAW PROGRAMTHE ANIMAL LAW PROGRAM WORKS CLOSELY WITH LAW STUDENTS, LAW SCHOOL, AND LAW PROFESSIONALS TO ADVANCE THE EMERGING FIELD OF ANIMAL LAW IN LEGAL EDUCATION. WORKING TO EXPAND ANIMAL LAW INTO THE CURRICULUM OF EVERY LAW SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY, THE ANIMAL LAW PROGRAM COLLABORATES WITH STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIONS TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANIMAL LAW COURSES AND ASSISTS STUDENTS IN FORMING ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND STUDENT CHAPTERS.AS PART OF THE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND'S ANIMAL LAW PROGRAM, THE ORGANIZATION MAKES GRANTS AVAILABLE TO ORGANIZATIONS, LAW CENTERS, INDIVIDUALS, AND ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND STUDENT CHAPTERS AT LAW SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO INFORM, EDUCATE, AND TAKE ACTION TO STRENGTHEN ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS. THESE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND GRANTS ARE CRITICAL TO ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANIMAL LAWYERS. GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDED DURING THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2022, INCLUDED VARIOUS DONATIONS TO LAW SCHOOLS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS.PRO BONO PROGRAMTHE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND'S PRO BONO PROGRAM IS THE NATION'S LARGEST PRO BONO NETWORK FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION. THE PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH ATTORNEYS AND PRO BONO COORDINATORS ACROSS THE U.S. TO EXPAND THE PRACTICE OF ANIMAL LAW. COLLECTIVELY, LEGAL PROFESSIONALS DONATE THOUSANDS OF HOURS TO THE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND'S CASES ANNUALLY. THE DONATED VALUE OF SERVICES FOR 07/01/2021 TO 06/30/2022, INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL EXPENSES OF THE PRO BONO PROGRAM, WAS $2,137,143. THE PROGRAM ALSO WORKS TO INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING OF ANIMAL LAW IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY BY EDUCATING PROFESSIONALS AT LAW FIRM AND BAR ASSOCIATION EVENTS AND KEEPING VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED AND UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD.SPECIAL PROGRAMSSPECIAL PROGRAMS ARRANGES INVESTIGATIONS OF FACTORY FARMS, PUPPY MILLS, AND ROADSIDE ZOOS IN ORDER TO SUBSTANTIATE EVIDENCE FOR CIVIL LITIGATION AND POTENTIAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS. THIS PROGRAM IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE AND ARRANGING TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS RESCUED VIA OUR LEGAL WORK AND PROVIDES GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIPS TO OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE SANCTUARY TO THE ANIMALS RESCUED VIA OUR LAWSUITS.PUBLIC EDUCATIONPUBLIC EDUCATION INFORMS THE PUBLIC OF, AND FACILITATES SUPPORT FOR, THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION IN PROTECTING THE LIVES AND ADVANCING THE INTERESTS OF ANIMALS THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
Name (title) | Role | Hours | Compensation |
---|---|---|---|
Steve Wells Executive Director | Officer | 40 | $222,255 |
Janiec Gutierrez Chief Operations Officer | 40 | $182,747 | |
Mark Walden Chief Programs Officer | 40 | $168,323 | |
Carter Dillard Senior Policy Advisor | 40 | $155,556 | |
Kera Melrose Chief Programs Officer | 40 | $147,849 | |
Elizabeth Putsche Communications Director | 40 | $144,279 |
Vendor Name (Service) | Service Year | Compensation |
---|---|---|
Chapman Cubine & Hussey Direct Marketing | 6/29/22 | $745,674 |
Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart Legal Services | 6/29/22 | $317,146 |
L&e Meridian Direct Marketing | 6/29/22 | $375,393 |
Motivo Media Direct Marketing | 6/29/22 | $210,797 |
Direct Mail Solutions Direct Marketing | 6/29/22 | $180,266 |
Statement of Revenue | |
---|---|
Federated campaigns | $35,715 |
Membership dues | $0 |
Fundraising events | $858,525 |
Related organizations | $0 |
Government grants | $0 |
All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above | $13,563,057 |
Noncash contributions included in lines 1a–1f | $294,900 |
Total Revenue from Contributions, Gifts, Grants & Similar | $14,457,297 |
Total Program Service Revenue | $9,055 |
Investment income | $377,257 |
Tax Exempt Bond Proceeds | $0 |
Royalties | $0 |
Net Rental Income | $0 |
Net Gain/Loss on Asset Sales | $216,801 |
Net Income from Fundraising Events | -$12,386 |
Net Income from Gaming Activities | $0 |
Net Income from Sales of Inventory | $0 |
Miscellaneous Revenue | $0 |
Total Revenue | $15,112,818 |
Statement of Expenses | |
---|---|
Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. | $1,036,758 |
Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. | $61,172 |
Grants and other assistance to Foreign Orgs/Individuals | $0 |
Benefits paid to or for members | $0 |
Compensation of current officers, directors, key employees. | $773,951 |
Compensation of current officers, directors, key employees. | $137,523 |
Compensation to disqualified persons | $0 |
Other salaries and wages | $6,766,980 |
Pension plan accruals and contributions | $200,675 |
Other employee benefits | $664,036 |
Payroll taxes | $591,200 |
Fees for services: Management | $0 |
Fees for services: Legal | $407,921 |
Fees for services: Accounting | $186,580 |
Fees for services: Lobbying | $0 |
Fees for services: Fundraising | $667,218 |
Fees for services: Investment Management | $78,157 |
Fees for services: Other | $1,402,007 |
Advertising and promotion | $291,676 |
Office expenses | $866,612 |
Information technology | $56,515 |
Royalties | $0 |
Occupancy | $150,667 |
Travel | $102,248 |
Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials | $0 |
Conferences, conventions, and meetings | $71,760 |
Interest | $0 |
Payments to affiliates | $0 |
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization | $66,776 |
Insurance | $70,336 |
All other expenses | $1,167,033 |
Total functional expenses | $15,680,278 |
Balance Sheet | |
---|---|
Cash—non-interest-bearing | $3,239,187 |
Savings and temporary cash investments | $1,065,997 |
Pledges and grants receivable | $527,508 |
Accounts receivable, net | $4,002 |
Loans from Officers, Directors, or Controlling Persons | $0 |
Loans from Disqualified Persons | $0 |
Notes and loans receivable | $0 |
Inventories for sale or use | $0 |
Prepaid expenses and deferred charges | $214,718 |
Net Land, buildings, and equipment | $1,498,561 |
Investments—publicly traded securities | $11,775,765 |
Investments—other securities | $4,119 |
Investments—program-related | $0 |
Intangible assets | $0 |
Other assets | $15,310 |
Total assets | $18,345,167 |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $1,302,288 |
Grants payable | $192,139 |
Deferred revenue | $0 |
Tax-exempt bond liabilities | $0 |
Escrow or custodial account liability | $0 |
Loans and other payables to any current Officer, Director, or Controlling Person | $0 |
Secured mortgages and notes payable | $0 |
Unsecured mortgages and notes payable | $0 |
Other liabilities | $0 |
Total liabilities | $1,494,427 |
Net assets without donor restrictions | $15,835,738 |
Net assets with donor restrictions | $1,015,002 |
Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds | $0 |
Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building, or equipment fund | $0 |
Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds | $0 |
Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances | $18,345,167 |
Over the last fiscal year, Animal Legal Defense Fund has awarded $990,621 in support to 12 organizations.
Grant Recipient | Amount |
---|---|
Portland, OR PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $274,340 |
WASHINGTON STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $150,000 |
BENTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $120,000 |
Reno, NV PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $115,000 |
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $101,070 |
Washington, DC PURPOSE: ANIMAL PROTECTION | $100,000 |
Over the last fiscal year, we have identified 4 grants that Animal Legal Defense Fund has recieved totaling $121,640.
Awarding Organization | Amount |
---|---|
Margaret Perenchio Foundation Glendale, CA PURPOSE: GENERAL SUPPORT | $70,000 |
Farvue Foundation Inc Washington, DC PURPOSE: SUPPORT | $50,000 |
The George Schwab And Leona Lauder Foundation Tiburon, CA PURPOSE: ANIMAL CARE | $1,500 |
Joyce A Ward Foundation Beverly Hills, CA PURPOSE: ANIMAL DEFENSE | $140 |
Beg. Balance | $7,012,628 |
Earnings | -$1,027,589 |
Admin Expense | $71,871 |
Ending Balance | $5,913,168 |
Organization Name | Assets | Revenue |
---|---|---|
Animal Legal Defense Fund Cotati, CA | $18,345,167 | $15,112,818 |
Safari Club International Tucson, AZ | $16,509,890 | $11,170,458 |
Last Chance For Animals Los Angeles, CA | $5,296,111 | $3,134,535 |
In Defense Of Animals San Rafael, CA | $6,182,862 | $2,558,789 |
Second Chances For Blind Dogs Foundation Inc Sherman Oaks, CA | $845,178 | $1,805,777 |
Endangered Habitats League Inc Los Angeles, CA | $1,084,623 | $1,057,051 |
Mountain Lion Foundation Sacramento, CA | $2,483,549 | $505,393 |
Direct Action Everywhere Berkeley, CA | $335,117 | $662,542 |
Farm Forward Inc Portland, OR | $1,004,085 | $810,948 |
California Sportfishing Protection Alliance Groveland, CA | $384,297 | $661,353 |
A Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue Amargosa Valley, NV | $158,943 | $492,726 |
La Gattara Inc Phoenix, AZ | $49,855 | $398,758 |