Heifer International is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1944, dedicated to ending hunger and poverty through sustainable community development. Established by Dan West, the organization promotes the idea of providing livestock to families instead of temporary food aid, encapsulated in the principle "Give a cow, not a cup." This approach empowers families to achieve self-reliance and encourages them to pass on the gift to others, creating a sustainable cycle of support.

The organization works with impoverished communities in over 125 countries, distributing various livestock such as cows, goats, and chickens, along with education and training in animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices. Heifer International's "Passing on the Gift" program encourages recipient families to share the first female offspring of their livestock with another family, fostering community growth. Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, Heifer International emphasizes innovation and community connection in its mission to promote food security and economic stability worldwide.