Q1 2025 Report
In this quarter’s environment of high political and economic uncertainty, the Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund has exercised extra prudence in grant making, while supporting critical projects of longtime partner organizations People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
The Greg Fund made a grant this quarter to continue supporting PETA’s Global Compassion Fund Ukraine mission, conducted through a partnership between PETA Deutschland and Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK) that predated Russia’s February 2022 invasion. The rescue network in Ukraine has saved over 22,000 animals in the three years since, working at great personal risk, and in so doing has given hope to their war-weary human compatriots.
This two-part video shares the story of a farm in Ukraine’s Sumy region, where Russian forces have intensified attacks in recent weeks, and where a PETA-supported ARK evacuation saved nearly 150 animals including dogs, horses, sheep, cows, and pigs.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
The Physicians Committee stands out — particularly in the current environment — for its emphasis on both cutting-edge science and compassion for animals and people.
The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund continued its support this quarter for the Physicians Committee’s Exam Room Live podcast and Facebook/YouTube videocast. The March 5 episode Bird Flu: What You Need to Know is of particular note; a full list of sponsored episodes is available at Vegan for Health.
The Physicians Committee’s numerous other initiatives this quarter included:
- Pilot Convert to Crops grant program for farmers switching from animal agriculture to growing vegetables, beans, fruits, mushrooms, or nuts.
- Oral comments urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services to emphasize plant-based diets in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines that form the basis of federal nutrition policy and programs.
- Expert testimony by invitation to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, recommending transition from animal experiments to human-based models.