What is a Compassionery™

A compassionery is a 100% plant-based confectionery made with compassion.

It is a sweet made without eggs, dairy milk, butter from animals, or any other animal-derived ingredients. A compassionery can include plant-based butter, non-dairy milks, and other plant-based ingredients.

Until now, there has not been one simple word to describe desserts made this way. We have been using phrases like vegan cake, plant-based cookie, or non-dairy ice cream. These labels can treat compassionate desserts as the “other” option, instead of something normal, joyful, and worth celebrating on its own.

A compassionery is not an alternative, substitute, or special request. It is simply a dessert made with compassion for animals, people, and the planet.

The Compassionery™ Project is giving these desserts a name and a home.

What the Compassionery™ Project Does

The Compassionery Project is an initiative of The Ark of Compassion that works to:

Host community events like the Compassionery Potluck, where every dessert on the table is a compassionery
Share the word and concept so anyone can host a compassionery gathering in their own neighborhood, school, workplace, or faith community
Create resources that make it easy for people to bake, name, and share desserts made with compassion
Build a positive, welcoming bridge for people who are curious about plant based eating but may feel intimidated or judged

Our goal is simple: let dessert lead the way. When people taste what is possible, conversations open up.

How Your Gift Helps

Your tax-deductible contribution (Tax ID (EIN) 46-1323531) directly supports:

Venue and logistics costs for Compassionery Potluck community gatherings and other future events like bake-offs and festivals
Printed materials, signs, and host kits that explain what a compassionery is and how to share one
Photography, video, and digital tools that help tell the story and spread the word online
Small grants or stipends for community partners who want to host compassionery themed events in their own spaces
Seed funding to develop and share recipes, guides, and educational content that make compassionate desserts more accessible

We keep things simple, transparent, and focused on impact. Every dollar helps us bring this idea to more tables and more communities.

A Note About Our Status

The Compassionery Project is an initiative of The Ark of Compassion™, a secular 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping individuals explore compassionate food choices that support animals, people, and the planet through programs that are joyful, community-driven, and grounded in dignity rather than judgment. Tax-deductible contributions support the work of the Compassionery Project and The Ark of Compassion’s related educational and community efforts.

Other Ways to Help

Use the word compassionery when you bake or share a plant based dessert
Host a small compassionery gathering in your own neighborhood
Share your creations on social media and tag @Compassionery + #Compassionery
Invite friends and family to Compassionery events

Your support, at any level, helps seed something new. Thank you for believing that our sweetest moments can also be our kindest.

Support the Compassionery™ Project