Welcome Sanctuaries
Operation Angels supports farmed animal sanctuaries through a clear and connected learning and funding pathway. The first step for every sanctuary is having a written strategic plan. Some sanctuaries already have a strategic plan, or use their own process to create one, while others choose to develop their plan through SPAA. Either approach is fully acceptable. Separately, all sanctuaries seeking funding are required to complete SPAA for Sanctuary, which is a distinct program focused specifically on the realities of sanctuary work; this can be completed either through a live cohort or through a self-learning option. When reviewing grant applications, Operation Angels applies the Sanctuary Evaluation Criteria as the framework for decision-making. These criteria are aspirational, not punitive, and are designed to support learning, growth, and long-term care for animals rather than perfection. The accompanying Sanctuary Evaluation Criteria Workbook is a reflective tool that any sanctuary may use on its own to assess current practices and plan next steps. For sanctuaries applying for funding, a completed Workbook must be uploaded through our grant application portal as part of the review process. While funding is currently available only to sanctuaries in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, all learning tools and resources offered by Operation Angels are available to sanctuaries anywhere in the world.
SPAA
The Strategic Planning for Animal Activism (SPAA) program is a globally recognized capacity-building model created by Dr. Krista Hiddema. It was developed to equip animal advocacy organizations worldwide with the practical tools they need to achieve measurable impact.
SPAA’s framework is grounded in systems thinking, organizational design, and the tested social movement trajectory outlined in Bill Moyer’s Doing Democracy. By guiding participants through every step of building a strategic plan, the program helps organizations develop clear, effective strategies for greater impact. SPAA is offered both as a live, cohort-based program and as a self-learning option, and participants leave the course equipped with actionable roadmaps to strengthen their operations and expand their ability to create change for animals.
SPAA for Sanctuary
Operation Angels is committed to lifelong learning, which is why we bring the acclaimed SPAA model directly to the sanctuary community through a specialized track: SPAA for Sanctuary.
This program directly tailors the principles of strategic and operational planning to the unique and often demanding needs of sanctuary work, which is emotionally intense, physically demanding, and financially fragile. SPAA for Sanctuary provides sanctuary founders and leaders with practical, accessible tools in strategic planning, systems thinking, and organizational design. Furthermore, the program includes deep learning on animal storytelling for advocacy, which is unique to this curriculum. The ultimate goal is to help sanctuaries build long-term stability, integrity, and impact.
While all sanctuaries are welcome to join the SPAA for Sanctuary learning community, we warmly encourage those considering applying for funding to take the program, as it’s a wonderful way to learn our philosophy and strengthen your own growth. To qualify for funding from Operation Angels, a key requirement is that at least one board member and the Executive Director must complete the SPAA for Sanctuary program.
In-Person Training Announcement
We are excited to announce our first live, in-person training:
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What: SPAA for Sanctuary In-Person Training
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When: May 27–29
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Where: Cedar Brook Farm in Campbellville, Ontario
Sanctuary Evaluation Criteria
Our Sanctuary Impact Criteria outline the core principles we use to understand what ethical, responsible, and sustainable sanctuary care looks like in practice. They are designed as a shared framework for learning and reflection, and they form the foundation for the accompanying Self-Assessment Workbook and our grant review process.
Sanctuary Evaluation Criteria Workbook
Sanctuaries are welcome to download and use our Sanctuary Impact Criteria Self-Assessment Workbook as an optional tool for learning and reflection, whether or not they plan to apply for funding. Many groups use it to better understand their strengths, identify areas for growth, or explore what is involved in running a sanctuary. For sanctuaries that intend to apply for funding from Operation Angels, a completed version of the workbook is required and forms part of the grant application via Grantii.
Sanctuary Funding Program
Our Sanctuary Funding Program provides grants to sanctuaries that demonstrate ethical care, sound governance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Funding decisions are made through a transparent process based on our Impact Criteria (link). Applications are accepted quarterly via our Grantii platform.
