Lauri Torgerson-White
Guided by data, driven by compassion
For nearly 20 years, I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector—leading teams, creating programs, and publishing research to improve the lives of animals. Most recently, I served as a grantmaker at one of the largest foundations in the farm animal protection movement, gaining a perspective I wish I’d had earlier in my career. With this combination of on-the-ground experience and funder insight, in addition to my ongoing research, I help nonprofits craft stronger grants and secure the resources they need to advance their mission.
Grant Writing Services
When you work with me, the process begins with a consultation to learn about your organization’s mission, funding needs, and goals. From there, I’ll assess opportunities, outline a clear scope of work, and provide a tailored plan for moving forward. Having led programs at national nonprofits, published animal welfare research, launched and managed food system programs, and served as a grantmaker in one of the largest foundations in the farm animal protection movement, I bring a unique perspective to crafting strong, evidence-based proposals that resonate with funders. You can expect clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and polished submissions designed to bring more resources to your mission.
Why Work With Me
I bring nearly two decades of experience in research and nonprofit leadership—paired with a grantmaker's perspective—to help organizations craft compelling, funder-aligned proposals.• Philanthropy officer at the Karuna Foundation, overseeing grantmaking and program evaluation to support impactful advocacy and education.• Senior Director of Research & Sanctuary Animal Welfare, Farm Sanctuary: led multi-site teams, created research programs, and secured funding for advocacy and food systems initiatives.• Director of Research, Mercy For Animals: built research programs, authored white papers and peer-reviewed studies, and worked directly with farmers to support plant-based transitions.• Published researcher on animal welfare, cognition, and behavior, plus book chapters and widely read op-eds (e.g., Washington Post, Des Moines Register).• Experienced educator and communicator: presented at international conferences, universities, and policy forums, translating science into actionable insights that move funders and decision-makers.I’d love to put this experience to work for your organization—helping you secure the funding you need to grow your impact.
HypnoBirthing Education
Alongside my nonprofit work, I also teach HypnoBirthing—a gentle, evidence-based childbirth method that combines hypnosis, deep relaxation, visualization, and positive reframing to create calm, empowered birth experiences. As a mother of three, I was deeply transformed by my first birth, and I now love helping others experience birth in a way that nourishes them. It might seem unexpected for someone rooted in research, advocacy, and grantmaking to work in this space—but teaching HypnoBirthing nourishes my heart, renews my energy for the challenging work of helping animals, and reflects all of who I am.
Contact
Are you interested in working with me? Please reach out for a free consultation.
Thank you
I'm looking forward to chatting! Please expect a response in no later than one week.