On the Ground: Thrive Philanthropy CEO Meets Uganda’s Plant-Based Advocates
“I’ve had the honor of granting vegan organizations in ~90 countries across the world with Thrive Philanthropy and previous roles. And out of all these countries, Uganda is quite unique — and rapidly growing!” shares Jessika Ava, MS, MPA, CEO of Thrive Philanthropy.
Uganda’s vegan food justice movement is expanding at remarkable speed. Rather than activists merging under a single organization, Uganda’s spirit of initiative and innovation has led to a diverse and growing network of vegan organizations. Each is led by strategic thinkers and dedicated leaders, making the movement dynamic, creative, and deeply rooted in local communities.
Jessika recently visited Uganda to hold a strategy meeting with several of the country’s leading advocates. They explored essential questions for fostering a responsible and sustainable movement:
How can Thrive, as a funder, support growth without unintentionally causing harm?
How can the movement maximize collaboration and avoid duplication?
How can funders ensure their support empowers local leaders and preserves creativity?
“Uganda presents a fascinating example of how social justice and plant-based advocacy can grow organically,” Jessika reflects. “My team and I at Thrive are honored to be part of this journey.”
Thrive Philanthropy’s work in Uganda is supported by its foundation partners, including: Craigslist Charitable Fund, Voiceless, the Animal Protection Institute, Stray Dog Institute, Humane America Animal Foundation, and anonymous donors. Together, they are helping strengthen a movement that is poised to shape food systems and plant-based advocacy across Africa.
Jessika meets LUV 4 ALL Vegan school pupils
Jessika plants a tree leaving a growing memory of her visit in Uganda
Jessika visits Podrska Foundation
During the visit, Jessika Ava, met the remarkable Dash Meizler, founder of Podrska Foundation, a dedicated humanitarian and animal activist.
Once set to take over his family’s poultry farm, Dash chose a different path, transforming the space into a vegan organization focused on removing animals from the food system while advancing plant-based advocacy in Uganda.