Grant Research for an Animal & Environment Advocacy Nonprofit

Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP) is dedicated to advancing animal and environmental protections through education, policy, and community action. In our 8 years of operation, we have initiated and passed 25 laws, including the first retail sales ban of mill-bred animals in Pennsylvania and PA’s first laws to protect circus animals, including a ban on bullhooks and traveling exotic animal performances. We have over 20 active campaigns working for the advanced protection of all animals and the environment, collaborating with local, state, and national partners such as legislators, corporations, community groups, universities, other nonprofits, and individuals. We prioritize environmental conservation and community beautification, emphasizing the link between human, animal, and environmental well-being in all of our initiatives. HAP was founded in 2015 by Dr. Brian Bonsteel and joined soon thereafter by Executive Director Natalie Ahwesh. What began as a small group of concerned citizens gathering to discuss animal and environmental welfare issues in a church basement blossomed into a robust advocacy organization with over 6 dozen volunteers. As a result of this growth, we now operate with three paid employees–two full-time and one part-time–to ensure our mission is fulfilled to its highest potential. Our team works tirelessly to fight for animals and educate the community on how they can be advocates as well. We continue to be one of the only organizations in the country working to educate the public on the humane treatment of animals and its inextricable link to environmental and social issues.