Project summary

Faunalytics works to identify and share effective strategies to help animals. Through our Original Research program and Research Library, we provide the data-driven insights advocates need to improve their strategies and advance animal welfare as effectively as possible. However, producing research is only half of the job — helping advocates apply research to their campaigns and efforts is where we transform our work from a research report into meaningful change for animals. 

Faunalytics’ Research Support program (comprised of our Office Hours, Ambassador Outreach Project, Research Advice Hub, and our annual symposium Fauna Connections) helps advocates understand the science behind advocacy and put research findings into action for animals. 

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Faunalytics’ Research Support initiatives aim to cultivate and strengthen a data-driven mindset within the farmed animal protection movement and help advocates put research into action. 

In our 2024 Community Survey of the animal advocates who utilize our research and resources, 83% thought our work is either extremely or very valuable. While we're glad to see that the majority of advocates find our resources valuable, we took stock of the fact that a smaller number, 79%, agreed that our work guided their or their organization’s advocacy decisions. This suggests that while our audience appreciates and acknowledges the value of research, we need to do more to improve users’ ability or understanding of how to apply that research. This is where our Research Support services can reduce animal suffering and save lives.

By building out our current resources and services, we will expand our capacity to encourage widespread, public use of research and directly help animal advocates to strengthen their use of data to shape their campaign messages and strategies.

How will this funding be used?

$10,000 will help fund one of Faunalytics’ keystone Research Support projects, our pro-bono Office Hours (https://faunalytics.org/ask-us/), where our team provides free, one-on-one research and strategy support to animal advocates and other charities around the world. 

At the beginning of 2019, Faunalytics began holding regular Office Hours and making a more concerted effort to connect animal advocates and provide 1:1 support. In these virtual “office hours,” advocates receive one-on-one help assessing their campaigns, finding and applying data to their work, conducting their research, and understanding how data can support their unique needs. Since 2019, we have advised over 300 advocates and representatives from humane education, outreach, advocacy organizations, and more. 

Faunalytics offers Office Hours in various time slots, time zones and languages. We’ve experienced growth in attendees year-over-year, and we are seeing a year-over-year increase in advocates using this service.

Furthermore, 100% of attendees state that they will probably or definitely use what they learned in their work. This suggests that our support is making a direct impact in the movement and is a needed resource.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

For over 24 years, Faunalytics has empowered animal advocates with research, strategies, and messages that maximize their effectiveness to end animal suffering. Our programs inform the work of hundreds of thousands of advocates each year. We do this by conducting original research on animal advocacy topics, housing an extensive library of over 6,000 study summaries specifically for animal advocates, and offering pro-bono support to other animal charities. This work includes collaborations with Rethink Priorities, Sentient, and The Good Growth Co. 

We’ve built a community with a reach of nearly 700,000 advocates and 11,000+ subscribers. Our unique position within the advocacy community allows research findings to be adopted widely, increasing opportunities for impact. We’ve been recognized for this high impact on animals, as demonstrated by our Recommended Charity status, which ACE has continuously granted since 2015.

Faunalytics’ small team of 12 has been led by Executive Director Brooke Haggerty since 2020.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Project failure would only occur if we cannot reach enough advocates who can use our help. Funding will help mitigate this risk by allowing us to offer help in additional languages and time zones.

What other funding are you or your project getting?

Faunalytics has not yet received dedicated funding for our Research Support program. Funds are pulled from our general operating budget.