Make it a date; come together for animals in the Lone Star State!

The  26^th Annual Animal Grantmakers Conference, Bigger and Better, Together, will be held October 15 - 17, 2025 (opening day is a Wednesday this year) at the historic Hilton Forth Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.

This year's conference will feature speakers with expertise across a wide range of animal- and grantmaking-related topics, including: the moral weight of different types of animals; working with municipalities and elected officials to elevate animal welfare; peer-to-peer grantmaking; animal agriculture and veganism in large meat-producing states like Texas; and more. A nod to Animal Grantmakers' early years, the second day of sessions will be dedicated to member-led presentations, interactive discussions, and workshops. Offering an unrivaled opportunity to learn from each other and more about each other's work, these funders-only assemblies will strive to increase our individual and collective impact on behalf of animals.

Highlights (subject to change):

• A choice of self-paid field trips on the Wednesday before the official start of the conference
• A fun-filled opening night reception
• Panel presentations featuring experts on the ground locally, and from across the state of Texas, the United States, and the globe
• An eclectic series of inspiring, solo "Lightning Talks" on topics ranging from the links between animal and human violence, and AI for animals, to animals in tourism, and sanctuary primates living in San Antonio
• The 4^th Annual Melanie Anderson Lifetime Excellence in Animal Protection (LEAP) Award
• An evening of dine-arounds to some of Fort Worth’s top vegan / vegan-friendly dining establishments – after Yappy Hour, of course!
• Facilitated discussions about the future of animal philanthropy in the United States and around the world, grantmaking in the current political climate, and more
• Workshops on such topics as measuring the impact of animal protection grants, and standardizing the grant application and reporting processes in our subsector
• Roundtable discussions showcasing members working on similar issues, such as free-roaming cats – learn about a new blueprint for managing community cats designed to achieve lasting, systemic change
• A closing night gala reception and dinner with a keynote speaker

Program details will be updated regularly, so please check back often.

Recognized as the site of JFK's final presidential address, the Hilton Fort Worth is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We are pleased to extend a discounted rate of $215 per night* for a standard guest room at the conference hotel to attendees.

*Rate does not include applicable taxes.

Room reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667). Please mention that you will be attending the upcoming Animal Grantmakers Conference to ensure that you receive the discounted guest room rate for our group.