Why the Animal Welfare sector in India needs more Philanthropy

Across India, thousands of individuals and organisations work every day to rescue injured animals, rehabilitate wildlife, manage community animal populations, and protect habitats. Yet despite the scale and urgency of these challenges, animal welfare remains one of the most underfunded sectors in Indian philanthropy.

This reality became even more visible during the India Animal Welfare Forum, where over 200 leaders from across the country and internationally came together to discuss the future of the sector. While the conversations were rich with ideas, collaboration, and optimism, they also surfaced a clear truth: the sector needs significantly more philanthropic capital to sustain and scale its work.

The Quiet Work of the Sector

Unlike many other development areas, animal welfare organisations often operate quietly and with very limited resources, supported by less than 5% of philanthropists in networks like GivingPi, per Dasra's India Philanthropy Report 2025. Their work is essential—not only for the well-being of animals but also for public health, biodiversity conservation, and building compassionate communities.

Yet most of these organisations struggle to secure consistent funding. Many operate with small teams, limited infrastructure, and unpredictable financial support. In some cases, organisations that have been doing impactful work for decades continue to rely on a handful of donors or operate largely through volunteer effort.

The funding gap becomes particularly visible when compared to the scale of the challenges the sector is trying to address – from urban wildlife rescue and habitat loss to the management of community animal populations.

A Moment of Opportunity

The India Animal Welfare Forum offered a glimpse of what becomes possible when funders and NGOs come together intentionally.

During the Forum, Upadhyaya Foundation organised an NGO Showcase where 12 NGOs presented their work to nearly 30 philanthropists and funders. These short presentations provided funders with a rare opportunity to hear directly from organisations working on the frontlines – whether in wildlife rescue, community animal welfare, or conservation.

For many funders in the room, it was the first time they had been exposed to the diversity and depth of work happening in the sector. Several conversations that began during the session continued beyond the Forum, with funders exploring ways to support organisations whose work resonated with them.

The Forum also saw the launch of a ₹14 crore India Animal Welfare Funding Circle, created in collaboration with four other philanthropic organisations. The idea behind the Funding Circle was simple: when funders come together, they can support the sector more meaningfully and encourage others to join the journey.

Why Philanthropy Matters Now

Animal welfare is deeply connected to several broader societal concerns – from environmental sustainability and biodiversity to public health and humane urban development. Yet the sector often struggles for visibility and resources.

Philanthropy has the ability to change this trajectory. Strategic funding can help organisations:

• Build stronger institutional capacity

• Invest in research and data

• Scale successful interventions

• Strengthen advocacy and policy engagement

• Develop innovative solutions through technology and partnerships

More importantly, philanthropy can help shift the sector from reactive responses to long-term systemic change.

An Invitation to New Philanthropists

For philanthropists looking to enter the animal welfare space, the opportunity is both meaningful and impactful. Supporting this sector does not always require large commitments at the outset. Funders can begin by:

• Supporting grassroots organisations doing rescue and rehabilitation work

• Funding awareness and coexistence programs in communities

• Investing in capacity building for smaller NGOs

• Joining collaborative initiatives like pooled funds or funder circles

Equally important is engaging with the ecosystem – attending forums, meeting practitioners, and understanding the challenges and innovations emerging from the field.

Moving Forward Together

One of the most powerful outcomes of the India Animal Welfare Forum was the sense of collective possibility it created. When NGOs, philanthropists, researchers, and practitioners come together, new ideas emerge, partnerships form, and the sector begins to move forward with shared momentum.

Animal welfare in India has passionate leaders, dedicated organisations, and growing public awareness. What it needs now is greater philanthropic engagement to unlock its full potential.

For those looking to make a difference, this sector offers an opportunity not only to support vulnerable animals but also to contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable future.

This blog is written by Siddharth Agarwal, Foundation Lead of Upadhyaya Foundation. He spearheads the overarching vision, strategic partnerships, building systems and long-term strategy for the Foundation.