Funding for animal shelters can be hard to come by, especially for organizations that don't receive state support. Happily, a wide variety of grant opportunities exist to meet the unique requirements of all sorts of different animal welfare agencies.
American Humane Association
The American Humane Association is a nationwide charity that has supported animal welfare for more than 100 years. Their Second Chance Grant funds shelters and other nonprofit programs that provide medical care for animals in need.
Eligible Programs
Any animal welfare program that provides care for abused or neglected animals is eligible for a Second Chance Grant. Funds are to be used specifically for medical costs and equipment to treat the consequences of abuse or neglect. The grant also funds spay/neuter procedures for abused pets.
Grant Amounts
The Second Chance Grant provides funds of up to $2,000 per program per year.
Deadlines
There are no hard deadlines, but the grant must be applied for within six months of the admission of the pet in need of treatment. Further information and an application on the Second Chance Grant is available through the program's website.
Doris Day Animal Foundation
Founded by the beloved actress, the Doris Day Animal Foundation is committed to supporting animal welfare in a variety of different ways. The Foundation is open to grant applications from any nonprofit organization that makes animal welfare a core part of their mission.
Eligible Programs
The Doris Day Animal Foundation is open to applications from a wide range of animal welfare causes. They even fund charities with "a significant human element" as long as animals benefit as well, making them an ideal match for service animal charities, animal therapy groups, and other animal-oriented causes, as well as conventional animal shelters.
Grant Amounts
Funding is determined on a case-by-case basis, but the maximum yearly grant is generally $5,000.
Deadlines
The application process begins with a one-page letter of introduction. Letters of introduction are accepted quarterly, no later than January, April, July, and October of the application year. Further guidelines are available through the Doris Day Animal Foundation website.
Pedigree Foundation
The Pedigree Foundation is the charitable organization associated with Pedigree dog food. Pedigree focuses its support on charities that serve dogs, funding shelters and nonprofit organizations that prioritize canine health.
Eligible Programs
Pedigree divides its donations into three categories:
- Operations Grants fund general operating expenses for animal welfare charities.
- Program Development Grants support new programs or the expansion of existing ones.
- Innovation Grants are given to a small number of individuals and organizations seeking to implement new ideas in the field of animal welfare.
Grant Amounts
Pedigree Operations Grants are given in amounts up to $1,000. Program Development grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. Innovation grants are $10,000 to $25,000.
Deadlines
Applications open in March of 2018. Details are available through the Pedigree Foundation website.
Petco Foundation
The charitable arm of the Petco pet retail chain funds animal shelters, veterinary health, and wellness organizations. Petco offers a wide variety of grant opportunities for charities dedicated to animal well-being.
Eligible Programs
As of February 2018, Petco is accepting unsolicited applications in two categories: Helping Heroes, which supports service and therapy animal programs, and general support for animal welfare charities.
Grant Amounts
Petco is flexible in its grant amounts, determining the amount of funding it offers on a case-by-case basis.
Deadlines
Applications for the Helping Heroes Grant open on March 15, 2018, and close on April 27. Applications for animal welfare support open on August 1 and close on September 28. All Petco's grant opportunities use the same online application process, available through the Petco Foundation website.
Petsmart Charities
Petsmart funds several charitable initiatives that support animal shelters, animal health and other pet-focused services. These initiatives offer a wide variety of funding opportunities.
Eligible Programs
Petsmart offers several different funding opportunities for programs dedicated to animal welfare. These include animal shelters and veterinary services, support for behavioral health and wellness for pets, facility and equipment improvements, and even training and conference attendance for animal welfare workers.
Grant Amounts
The amount of funding available varies based on the program and the grant applied for.
Deadlines
Grants are available yearly, and applications open in April for the majority of grant opportunities. Application details are available through the foundation website.
Animal Shelters Are Important
Animal shelters are vital to the well-being of pets and of the community at large. A number of good funders exist for that work. With a little legwork, you can find the ideal funding match for your cause.
