The Orfeo Foundation
Registered Canadian charity · Animal protection & welfare

We find the organizations that truly help animals, and we fund them.

The Orfeo Foundation raises funds, vets charities, independent rescues and grassroots programs carefully and thoroughly, and directs support to those whose work protects animals and improves their welfare.

Mission

Every dollar goes where it does the most good for animals.

Raise

We bring together donors who care about animals and pool their gifts so they reach further than any single donation could.

Vet

Before we fund anyone, we look closely at how they work, how they care for animals and how they use their money.

Support

We give grants to organizations that pass our review, and we stay in touch to see the results.

How we vet

Careful and thorough, by design

Our review is the heart of what we do. Each applicant goes through the same stages in the same order.

  1. Eligibility check

    Registered status is not required. Registered charities, independent rescues, foster networks and community programs are all welcome. We confirm who runs the work and that it directly supports the protection or welfare of animals.

  2. Financial review

    We look at whatever records you keep, from formal financial statements to bank records and receipts, to see how funds are raised and spent, and how much reaches the animals.

  3. Animal care standards

    We assess day-to-day care against the Five Freedoms, the long-standing benchmark for animal welfare.

  4. Governance and references

    We look at who makes decisions, how the work is organized and its track record, and speak with veterinarians, adopters, partners and others who know it firsthand.

  5. Site visit or interview

    Where possible we see the work in person. Otherwise we meet the team by video call.

  6. Decision and follow-up

    Approved organizations receive support and report back on outcomes, so we can keep learning what works.

The Five Freedoms
Hunger & thirstFresh water and a diet that keeps the animal healthy.
DiscomfortSuitable shelter and a comfortable place to rest.
Pain, injury & diseasePrevention, quick diagnosis and veterinary treatment.
Normal behaviourEnough space, proper facilities and company of their own kind.
Fear & distressConditions and handling that avoid mental suffering.
For organizations

Request funding

Whether you are a registered charity, an independent rescue or a small community program, if your work protects animals or improves their welfare, we would like to hear from you. Please have the following ready:

  • Registration documents, if you have them (not required)
  • A record of the past year's income and spending, in whatever form you keep it
  • A short description of your programs and the animals you serve
  • Two references who know your work

Application dates and grant sizes: [to be announced]

Give

Support our work

Your gift funds organizations that have passed our full review. You can give once or monthly, and you can direct your gift to a type of work such as rescue, sanctuary care or wildlife rehabilitation.

The Orfeo Foundation is a registered Canadian charity. Every eligible donation receives an official tax receipt.

Charitable registration number: 793538018 RR 0001
Ways to give: [add donation options here]

Contact

Get in touch

Questions about donating, applying or partnering with us are always welcome.

Phone: 604-722-8471
Mailing address: The Orfeo Foundation, 202 – 3535 146A St, Surrey, BC V4P 0H2