Evan Allgood
Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE) has named The Humane League (THL) a Top Charity for 2020. Here's why that's a big deal.
We are thrilled to reveal that for a record seventh consecutive year, Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE) has named The Humane League (THL) one of its four Top Charities. We are the only organization to earn Top Charity honors from ACE in every eligible period since 2012, the year that ACE was founded.
In today's announcement of the 2020 Top Charities, ACE writes of THL:
We think they have played an important role in strengthening the movement outside the U.S. by producing research; engaging in community outreach; organizing conferences; and training, recruiting, and supporting advocates and organizations through the Open Wing Alliance (OWA). We find THL to be an excellent giving opportunity because of their strong, cost-effective programs, their robust track record of strengthening the movement, and their healthy organizational culture.
This accolade is extra special because it arrives at the tail end of the hardest year for many of us. Faced with incredible, unprecedented challenges, you continued to stand up and fight for the animals. Even through these difficult times, you've come together and made serious progress in our movement. Without that progress, ACE would not have recognized our organization. We can't say it enough: Thank you for your support, your generosity, your dedication, and your advocacy.
This distinction from ACE is crucial to our collective mission because it will allow us to grow our supporter network and accomplish more for animals in the future. Even more important than that, though, it's proof that the time and energy you pour into this cause is well-spent. You are making a real difference.
We've got a long way to go before we end the abuse of animals raised for food, but by making every action and donation go as far as possible, we'll get there as soon as we can.
What is ACE, and how do they select their Top Charities?
Animal Charity Evaluators is a 501(c)(3) US nonprofit whose mission is "to find and promote the most effective ways to help animals." It was originally founded in 2012 as Effective Animals Action (EAA), a division of the London-based social impact organization 80,000 Hours.
To achieve its mission, ACE focuses on three key areas: Research, Education, and Philanthropy. To date, they've evaluated over 350 animal charities and influenced $26 million in donations to recommended charities and grant recipients.
In determining their annual list of Top Charities, ACE considers the following criteria:
- Does the charity engage in programs that seem likely to be highly impactful?
- Does the charity have room for more funding and concrete plans for growth?
- Does the charity operate cost-effectively, according to our best estimates?
- Does the charity possess a strong track record of success?
- Does the charity identify areas of success and failure and respond appropriately?
- Does the charity have strong leadership and a well-developed strategic vision?
- Does the charity have a healthy culture and sustainable structure?
In short, ACE recognizes the charities that effect the greatest change for animals, and do so most efficiently. As an organization who counts effectiveness among our core values, this distinction reinforces our commitment to impact—to doing the most good.
Why is this honor a big deal?
Being a “Top Charity” doesn’t just sound nice—it validates every action you take to support our work. Every dollar you donate, every minute you volunteer, every time you share our message or sign our petitions, you're contributing to one of the most effective animal organizations in the world. That's something to celebrate.
Know that we never take your support for granted, and we always strive to maximize our resources to make the biggest difference for the most animals. Together, on behalf of billions of animals, we are a force to be reckoned with. Thank you!
