The AVM Awards

Celebrating 25 Years 🎉 £250,000 for Charities Changing Lives

The Anthony V. Martin Charitable Foundation was set up in 2001 by Tony Martin CBE, entirely with his own funds. Since then it has distributed over £10m to charities around the world working with animals and people to reduce suffering and improve animal welfare.

We would like to share this milestone by inviting charities to apply for one of ten Anniversary Awards of £25,000 each.

“How some people don’t treat animals the way that they would like to be treated themselves is unforgivable. These species exist on the planet alongside us, and we should therefore respect their wishes just as much as we respect our own.”
— Anthony Martin

That simple belief — that animals deserve the same respect, dignity and compassion we expect for ourselves — remains at the heart of everything we do.

What began as one man’s lifelong passion has grown into a Foundation that has touched lives on every continent. From the elephants of Asia and street dogs of Thailand, to rescued bears, farm animals and wildlife, AVM’s support has helped countless animals live safer, freer, and more dignified lives.

Through long-term partnerships with dedicated organisations, the Foundation has helped to:

  • Build and fund animal hospitals, sanctuaries and rescue centres

  • Support training and education for veterinarians and welfare professionals worldwide

  • Drive policy and legislative change to protect animals

  • Strengthen community outreach and conservation programmes

  • Fund core costs that keep charities doing what they do best — saving lives

Every project, big or small, shares the same thread: a commitment to kindness, education, and lasting change.

Our 25th Anniversary competition is designed to continue this legacy.

💚 How to Enter

Submit a short email summary (around 200 words) telling us:

  • What you would do with £25,000

  • The difference it would make to animals and people

  • Why this moment matters to your charity

  • Include a URL link to a short video introducing your charity or showcasing the work the prize would support (optional. but encouraged!)

All ideas are welcome, but please note: we’re looking to complete a capital or core cost — not contribute towards a wider target.

📅 Entries close: 31 March 2026
📣 Winners announced: 31 May 2026

Make it stand out.

We want to hear your best stories and plans for the future.

Remind Me

FAQs

  • Eligible applicants must be UK registered charities whose work directly supports animal welfare, conservation, rescue, or rehabilitation. We welcome charities of all sizes — from small grassroots groups to established international organisations.

  • Yes — we welcome entries from charities working around the world, provided your organisation is registered in the UK, has a UK bank account and works directly to improve the lives of animals.

  • Yes, the two-year gap between applications does not apply to the competition. It is open to everyone.

  • We’re looking for bold, transformative ideas that can be completed with £25,000. This prize should help you achieve something meaningful and measurable — something that moves your mission forward in a significant way. This giveaway is designed to complete a capital or core project, not contribute to ongoing day-to-day costs. Think impact, completion, momentum — not covering salaries, rent, or recurring expenses.

  • We want to hear:

    • Your biggest dream that £25,000 could help you achieve

    • Why now is the right moment

    • The impact on animals, communities, and your organisation

    • A sense of your vision for the future
      This is your chance to share the idea that excites you — the one you’ve always wanted to complete but haven’t had the funding for.