By Andi Anderson
The ASPCA's Fund to End Factory Farming is now accepting applications for 2025. The fund aims to support groups on the frontlines of factory farming, focusing on community education and advocating for more humane farming practices. This year's focus is on providing resources to groups that work with communities affected by the harmful impacts of factory farming.
Factory farms in the U.S. house more than 1.6 billion animals, including chickens, pigs, and cows, in crowded, inhumane conditions. These farms create vast amounts of waste, often containing antibiotics and other harmful substances, which pollute local water sources and harm nearby residents. Communities near factory farms report severe health issues, foul odors, and contaminated drinking water.
Despite these negative effects, industrial agriculture operates with little regulation, and the public remains unaware of the cruelty involved. Communities living near factory farms are best positioned to advocate for change, but their efforts often lack funding and support.
The ASPCA’s Fund to End Factory Farming helps address these issues by supporting grassroots efforts that educate the public about the realities of factory farming. Past recipients have worked on initiatives to protect residents from industrial agriculture’s harmful effects and collected stories to raise awareness. This year, the ASPCA has partnered with the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project (SRAP), a group with extensive experience helping communities and farmers fight the negative impacts of factory farming.
Applications for the ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming are open until 5 p.m. ET on Friday, May 30, 2025. An informational session will be held online on Thursday, April 24, from 1-2:30 p.m. ET. To learn more about the application process, eligibility, and the upcoming session, visit aspca.org/farmrfp.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Illinois, Business, Livestock, Hogs