Animals Forward: Advancing Interspecies Justice

JD Certificate Programs

A joint initiative by the University of Denver’s Animal Law Program (ALP) and the Institute for Animal Sentience and Protection (IASP)
 

About the Initiative

Animals Forward is a groundbreaking Executive Certificate designed to empower animal advocates and professionals with the skills and knowledge to build a world where human and nonhuman animals can flourish.

This first-of-its-kind program will: 

  1. Challenge dominant narratives about nonhuman animals in politics, law, and the media through rigorous, interdisciplinary research. 
     
  2. Equip advocates, policymakers, and leaders with the practical and theoretical tools to translate ideas into policy, law, and meaningful change for nonhuman animals.
hummingbird

Why It Matters

Animal advocacy often focuses on nonhuman animals themselves. Yet those who dedicate their lives to protecting them—animal advocates—frequently come from non-animal backgrounds and lack access to costly JD or advanced academic programs. 

As a result, new advocates face a long learning curve, while experienced advocates may never receive the formal training they desire. Animals Forward bridges this gap by accelerating the learning curve of emerging advocates and expanding the skill set of seasoned advocates. 

The program unites:

  • Groundbreaking scholarship and leading scholars (academia).

  • Direct access to high-profile activists and policymakers (networking). 

  • Practical tools to turn ideas into action (activism).

Through this fusion, Animals Forward will create a transformative learning environment that connects thought, practice, and policy for lasting impact.

squirrel with acorn in mouth

Why We Are Fundraising

For decades, higher education has faced chronic underfunding that limits investment in justice-oriented initiatives. For this reason, we are organizing a fundraising event on February 28, 2026, to secure the seed support needed to bring Animals Forward to life.

The event will bring together sanctuaries, artists, scholars, advocates, and officials to illuminate the beauty, moral significance, and individuality of animals. Their contributions will not only help raise essential funds but also inspire a shift in public perception: to see animals not as resources, but as beings with rich emotional and social lives. 

Together, we can turn vision into action and activism into justice.

Donate Now
hummingbird with wings spread

The Event

The fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 5 – 8 p.m., at University of Denver Sturm College of Law. 

The event will feature:

  • A silent and live auction offering an exhibit of photographs and activities that reflect the ethos of interspecies justice. 
  • Inspirational talks by scholars, artists, and officials.
  • A vibrant community of advocates, donors, policymakers, and scholars committed to transforming how we understand and protect nonhuman animals.

How Sponsors Can Help

Your sponsorship will have a direct impact on the success of the Animals Forward initiative and the fundraising event that supports it. Specifically, sponsors will help us: 

  1. Bring the fundraising event to life by covering essential costs such as vegan food for attendees, framing and displaying artwork, and supporting the professional auctioneer who will guide both our silent and live auctions. 
  2. Amplify our reach by funding marketing and promotional efforts that highlight the certificate and the cause it represents. 
  3. Strengthen the program’s long-term impact by enabling us to invite renowned scholars, policymakers, and advocates whose expertise will shape the certificate’s lectures, workshops, and policy engagement.
  4. Directly fund the seed support needed to launch the program. Due to chronic underfunding in higher education, the University of Denver has adopted a more conservative financial policy, limiting investments in new initiatives. As a result, external seed support is essential to launch new programs.

Sponsorship Opportunities

In gratitude for your partnership, sponsors will receive the following recognition and benefits:

  • Champion: $10,000+

    Pre and Post-Event:

    • Mention in electronic invitations before the event.
    • Organization logo and website link on registration webpage.
    • Organization logo on executive certificate website.
    • Sponsor promotional cards at events.
       

    Recognition Day of the Event:

    • Verbal recognition during event.
    • Recognition in event program cover.
    • 1-page advertisement in event program.
    • Option to host a table near check-in area.
  • Advocate: $5,000+

    Pre and Post-Event:

    • Organization logo and website link on registration website.
    • Organization logo on executive certificate website.
    • Sponsor promotional cards in all the events of the Animal Law Program.
       

    Recognition Day of the Event:

    • Verbal recognition during event.
    • Recognition in program.
    • 1-page advertisement in event program.
    • Option to host a table near check-in area.
  • Ally: $1,000+

    Pre and Post-Event:

    • Organization logo and website link on registration website.
       

    Recognition Day of the Event:

    • Recognition in program.
    • Option to host a table near check-in area.
  • Friend: $500+

    Pre and Post-Event:

    • Organization logo and website link on registration website.
       

    Recognition Day of the Event:

    • Recognition in program.

Your contribution will directly support the infrastructure of this transformative program – helping us turn our shared vision of interspecies justice into lasting institutional and cultural change. For more information on how to become a sponsor, please contact Jess Beaulieu and Pablo Perez Castello.

Photo Credits: We Animals (kangaroo, monkey); PhotoAdvocacy (owl, horse, hummingbirds, squirrel)