How We Give
Guided Giving: How We Decide Where and Who to Fund
At Lew Dog Gives, we believe that every dollar should make a real difference. That’s why we don’t just give — we give with purpose.
We carefully select the people and organizations we support based on a clear set of values and guidelines. From grassroots rescuers to global sanctuaries, we look for those who share our commitment to compassion, transparency, and ethical animal care.
Our goal is simple: to direct support where it’s needed most — to those doing the hard, often unsung work of saving lives, providing medical care, offering sanctuary, and creating a kinder world for animals of all kinds.
We are a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, and our operational costs are minimal and mission-driven. Every donation — and every purchase from our cookbook or merchandise — helps us fund meaningful, life-saving work.
Below, you’ll find the guiding principles we use to evaluate funding requests and ensure your generosity has the greatest possible impact. Know a group doing powerful work for animals? Nominate them here.
1 / Animal-Focused Mission
We support organizations whose primary mission is animal welfare, including:
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Domestic animal rescue and rehabilitation
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Shelters and sanctuaries
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Wildlife protection and rehabilitation
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Veterinary care and emergency response
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Adoption and foster programs
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Farmed animal advocacy and sanctuary support
2 / Responsible Use of Funds
We look for organizations that demonstrate:
• A strong commitment to using funds effectively for direct animal care
• Transparency in their financial practices
• Responsible stewardship of donations, with an emphasis on impact
3 / Disaster, Emergency & Wildlife Relief
We actively direct funds to organizations involved in:
• Emergency rescue during natural disasters (wildfires, floods, etc.)
• Short- and long-term care for animals in crisis
• Rehabilitation of displaced or injured wildlife
• Global efforts helping animals affected by conflict, climate, or disaster
4 / Integrity, Inclusion & Ethics
We prioritize organizations that:
• Operate with compassion, transparency, and ethical care
• Uphold inclusive, non-discriminatory practices
• Treat animals — and the people who care for them — with dignity and respect
• Create safe, inclusive spaces for all
• Champion kindness and ethical leadership
5 / Alignment with Our Values
We give special consideration to:
• Small and underfunded rescues or sanctuaries doing vital work
• Groups helping with urgent medical needs or abuse cases
• Wildlife protection and education efforts
• Organizations that inspire compassion, kindness, and community action
Nominate an Organization for Funding Support
At Lew Dog Gives, we’re on a mission to support grassroots rescues, sanctuaries, and organizations making a real difference for animals — whether it's a tiny shelter in a rural town or a wildlife group responding to disasters.
If you know a group doing impactful work, we’d love to hear about them. Submit the form below to nominate an organization for future support.