Endowment / Foundation

Updated:

Humane World for Animals

Humane World for Animals traces its founding to 1954 as the Humane Society of the United States. Kitty Block serves as president and chief executive.

Humane World for Animals logo

Humane World for Animals

Humane World for Animals traces its founding to 1954 as the Humane Society of the United States. Kitty Block serves as president and chief executive. The organization maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C., and runs programs in direct animal care, education, and rescues across multiple continents. Investment activity centers on a $391 million portfolio of hedge funds, funds of funds, and private equity. The group also holds direct real assets including the Duchess Sanctuary in Oregon and the South Florida Wildlife Center. Geographic reach extends to North America, Europe through events in Brussels, and Asia via the India Foundation. Confirmed positions include long equity stakes in Tyson Foods and Bank of America used to file shareholder resolutions on animal welfare. The organization employs staff across its Washington headquarters and additional offices including one in Australia. It maintains related vehicles such as the Humane World Action Fund and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. November 2025: Sponsored the New York To the Rescue! Gala. Board relationships include ties to Stray Dog Capital and BDT & MSD Partners. Ownership of operating subsidiaries such as Humane World for Animals International provides a distinct governance structure that separates philanthropic grantmaking from investment holdings and advocacy arms.

General information

Firm type

Endowment / Foundation

Year founded

1954

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

Washington

Corporate office

1255 23rd Street Northwest Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037, United States

Additional offices

Australia

Principals

Kitty Block

President and CEO

Sector focus

Animal Welfare

Frequently asked questions

Who runs investment decisions at Humane World for Animals?

Kitty Block serves as president and CEO. The organization reports its $391 million portfolio through consolidated financial statements without naming a separate CIO.

Does Humane World for Animals participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The group holds positions in hedge funds, funds of funds, and private equity funds. It also maintains direct ownership of real assets including sanctuaries.

Where does the underlying capital come from?

Revenue derives from donations, grants, and investment returns. No single family or corporate founder is disclosed as the source of principal.

What geographic regions does the portfolio cover?

Holdings include North American sanctuaries, a Caribbean investment portfolio valued at $107 million, and an office in Australia.

How is Humane World for Animals related to its international affiliates?

It owns 100 percent of Humane World for Animals International and maintains the Humane World for Animals India Foundation as operating subsidiaries.

Does the organization file shareholder resolutions?

Yes. It has filed resolutions at Tyson Foods, Bank of America, and Citigroup regarding animal welfare risk management.

Which professional networks does it belong to?

Memberships include the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Association of Corporate Counsel, and Eurogroup for Animals.

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