Founded in 1918, the Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education aims to teach kindness and respect for all living things. The foundation believes in promoting humane education as essential for positive societal impact, emphasizing personal responsibility and respect for diverse views without advocating for specific dietary, political, environmental, or religious perspectives.
The Latham Foundation's grant program supports projects aligned with the principles of humane education, prioritizing kindness and respect towards animals, people, communities, nations, and the world. The grant encourages applications that demonstrate a commitment to these ideals, with a special focus on building compassion, encouraging respect across different social and national groups, and fostering a sense of global citizenship. Although priority goes to nonprofit organizations, all applicants willing to advance these guiding principles are welcome. The foundation emphasizes adherence to a hierarchy of humane education outlined in their Latham Steps, which range from kindness to animals to kindness to the world.