Frequently Asked Questions

Before applying
for a grant

  • We are open to a variety of approaches to ending animal exploitation, particularly ones that promise an efficient, scalable and long-lasting impact. To get a sense of organizations and initiatives we’ve funded in the past, please visit our grantees page.

  • While it's generally ok to ask for your remaining annual budget gap or the full cost of the project you're looking to fund, CCF typically does not fund more than 30% of an organization’s annual budget, and the final grant amount may be below or above the amount requested.

  • We are open to applications from organizations around the world, regardless of 501(c)3 status. Applicants need not have a prior connection with a fiscal sponsor, as we have fiscal sponsorship arrangements to support most applications.

  • Absolutely! In the event that you’re invited to a call with us, please let us know ahead of time and we’ll prepare live translation captions or find another solution that works for the both of us.

  • Yes, as long as they further CCF’s mission. At least 90% of such grants must go to the specific project being funded, i.e. no more than 10% is allowed for “indirect costs” or university overhead.

After applying for a grant

  • Once you've submitted the first form, our initial review usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, after which we'll request a second form if we’d like to move forward. Following second form submission, final review typically takes 8-12 weeks depending on application complexity and our current workload. If you need an expedited review due to a specific fundraising deadline, please let us know once you’ve submitted the initial form and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

  • We don't accept unsolicited call invitations, but during the grant application process, we often schedule 30-60 minute video calls if we believe doing so will help us better understand your work. These calls are fairly casual, and no preparation is required, as the goal is to get to know you better and ask basic questions about your organization/project.

  • If you're in or have an upcoming trip planned to the BayArea and have a completed application on file, please let us know! While we always appreciate the opportunity to meet in-person with current and potential grantees, our availability for such meetings is limited, and we’re often unable to schedule too far in advance due to shape-shifting schedules.

  • You’re welcome to invite any individuals who you believe would meaningfully contribute to or benefit from participating. Examples include founders, executive directors, and anyone well-versed in project and funding details. However, we generally recommend limiting your party to no more than yourself and three others to maintain a more focused discussion.

After a grant
is approved

  • Typically 1-2 weeks from initial award notification email. For 501(c)3 organizations, we recommend you enroll in Fidelity Charitable’s free EFT program to expedite transfers.

  • CCF does not require any banking information. If the grant will be facilitated by a fiscal sponsor, the fiscal sponsor may reach out to you via email to request routing information.

  • We may reach out to you at 6-month and/or 12-month intervals for general project updates; there’s nothing specific you need to prepare ahead of time. Meanwhile, you're always welcome to proactively send updates, particularly if you have unusually exciting news to share or run into any major hiccups that could impede your progress.

  • If you have an established fiscal sponsor, please let us know! In some cases however, we may need to use a different fiscal sponsor than you are accustomed to.