We’re here to make an impact

Factory farming is built to hide suffering. Our work is built to end it.

How We Create Change

Ending the abuse of animals raised for food takes more than outrage—it takes strategy. That’s why we’re committed to effective, evidence‑based action for animals.

Thanks to millions of people around the world, we’ve already proven that this system is not untouchable. Together, we’ve pushed the world’s biggest food companies to change how they treat animals, helped pass and defend landmark protections in court, and powered a global coalition strong enough to win fights country by country.

Transforming Industry Standards

When companies put profits over animal welfare, we hold them accountable. Our corporate campaigns have persuaded the world's largest food companies—from McDonald's to Starbucks to Conagra—to pledge to eliminate their cruelest practices. And we don't stop at promises. Through relentless pressure and negotiation, we ensure commitments become reality. Already, we’ve helped increase the percentage of hens free from cages from just 2% to nearly 50% in the US alone—and with thousands of corporate commitments due in 2025, we’re pushing hard for follow-through.
Enshrining Protections Into Law

Corporate commitments aren’t enough. That’s why we fight to make these changes permanent through legislation. Through the Animal Policy Alliance, we unite 30+ local advocacy groups to secure legal protections for animals. We’ve helped pass the strongest animal protection laws in US history—and successfully defended them all the way to the Supreme Court. When voters have the chance to ban cruel factory farming practices, they overwhelmingly vote yes.
Maximizing Every Dollar

We’re committed to using our donors’ dollars as strategically and wisely as possible. Because we simply don’t have the resources to compete with well-heeled corporations and lobbies, we must do as much good as we can for animals with every dollar that we have—so that together we can make the greatest possible impact. According to our best cost-effectiveness estimates, we spend just 50 cents to spare one hen from a life of misery in a cage. You can be confident that your gift will be used efficiently to bring about real, tangible change for as many animals as possible.
Building Global Power

Real change happens through collective action. That’s why we founded the Open Wing Alliance—uniting 90+ organizations across 70 countries in the fight to protect animals. We provide grants, training, and strategic guidance that transform local advocacy into global power. While industrial agriculture spends billions maintaining the status quo, we achieve landmark victories through the exponential power of collaboration. Together, we’re creating a movement no company or country can ignore.

The Humane League is an effective animal protection organization.

The Humane League is one of the most important and effective voices for animals in the United States.

Here's why

300+
US companies have promised to spare hens from extreme confinement thanks to THL’s influence—and an additional 200+ have followed suit as our movement gains rapid momentum

140+
leading US businesses have committed to THL’s science-based welfare standards for chickens raised for meat—fueling an industry-wide shift away from extreme cruelty that 70+ other companies have also signed onto

40M
animals’ suffering reduced because of the most progressive animal protection law in history, California’s Prop 12

I knew I could trust this organization—that they were doing the most good in the space of ending animal suffering.

Gabriela Dabrowski, Professional Athlete

2400+
companies around the world have committed to sparing hens from battery cages—thanks to THL and our partners in the Open Wing Alliance

80+
partners collaborating across six continents—all members of the Open Wing Alliance
Learn More

$14M+
in grants distributed to Open Wing Alliance partner groups
Learn more

We find THL to be an excellent giving opportunity because of their strong programs aimed at improving the welfare standards of farmed animals and strengthening the animal advocacy movement across multiple countries.

46.4%

of birds in the US flock are now spared from brutal cages, compared to just 12.7% a decade ago

Impact Reports

Read the following reports to learn more about how your support made an impact for animals.

Financials

The Humane League is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our federal EIN is 04-3817491.

Every day, we’re able to move a step closer toward ending the abuse of animals raised for food. All thanks to our incredible supporters and our commitment to strong organizational and financial stewardship.

When you generously give to us, you get a commitment that your funds go directly toward our mission. Want to know more? Here’s a look at our most recent financial statements.

2025 Audited Financial Statements 2025 990

2024 Audited Financial Statements 2024 990

2023 Audited Financial Statements 2023 990

2022 Audited Financial Statements 2022 990

2021 Audited Financial Statements 2021 990

2020 Audited Financial Statements 2020 990

2019 Audited Financial Statements 2019 990

2018 Audited Financial Statements 2018 990

2017 Audited Financial Statements 2017 990

2016 Audited Financial Statements 2016 990

IRS 501(c)(3) Letter

The Humane League follows Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures (GAAP) and uses an accrual accounting system. This means that revenue is recorded in the year that a grant is awarded, rather than when it is received, and therefore includes some large commitments for future donations as well as previous gifts with restrictions that have not been spent in full. Additionally, in accordance with financial best practices, The Humane League maintains a six month operating reserve. We feel this is essential to achieve sustained success, provide a buffer for unexpected expenses, and ensure that we are prepared for any change in financial climate. For questions about our past financial statements or current financial standing, please contact [email protected].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report