Charity of the week: American Veterinary Medical Foundation

last updated 8 January 2015

For 50 years, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (avmf.org) has worked to promote animal welfare and to advance veterinary medicine. As the charitable branch of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the AVMF has awarded more than $50 million in grants that support research to improve medical care for animals, scholarships for veterinary students, and emergency relief for vets struggling in the wake of natural disasters. When hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes hit, the AVMF organizes and funds volunteers to run animal shelters and assist with animal rescue operations and emergency medical care. The AVMF’s efforts also include public education and the promotion of preventive health care for pets, in response to a nationwide rise in preventable pet diseases.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.