Go online to find grant opportunities:
GrantSpy, “the grant seeker’s intelligence source”
You can use this resource to find grants available for animal welfare. Receive every business day summaries of grant opportunities from federal, foundation and state funders. A basic subscription is $18.95 per month.
Grants from American Humane Association including:
- Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant (funding up to $4,000 for capital campaigns, building improvements, and equipment purchases that directly affect the welfare of animals in shelters).
- Second Chance Fund (for animal victims of abuse, neglect or homelessness to have a second chance at life).
Grants from PETCO Foundation
You can download forms to apply from here.
Please visit our blog for more ideas on finding grants.
Grants from PetSmart Charities’ Grants Program
Download forms to apply for grants from PetSmart.
Grants from Banfield Charitable Trust
Read the guidelines and download an application from Banfield Charitable Trust. Carefully read this page since it lists what is funded and what is not funded.
Grants Information Collection
The University of Wisconsin publishes the Grants Information Collection, A Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center Library Network. Go to Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation: Funding and Fundraising for a comprehensive list of of grant makers and information sources for animal welfare.
Also visit the Foundation Center and click your state to go directly to the website of a Cooperating Collection in your area.
Red Rover Relief
RedRover Relief provides financial assistance grants and additional resources so pet owner s and rescuers can care for animals who need urgent veterinary care. Visit Red Rover Relief Grants for eligibility requirements and application. RedRover also offers financial assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets. To learn more about this program, visit our page on Domestic Violence Resources.
Please visit our blog for more ideas on finding grants.
Foundation Directory Online
The Foundation Center has a Foundation Directory Online connecting grant seekers and grant makers. There is a subscription fee; the basic plan starts at $19.95 per month which allows a keyword search and daily philanthropy news and requests for proposals.
Maddie’s Fund
This is a well funded organization supporting animals with millions of dollars. Go to Grant Giving to read about the many types of grants awarded by this group.
Planet Dog Foundation
The Planet Dog Foundation allocates funding to promote and financially support service-oriented canine programs including assistance dogs and therapy dogs.
AAHA Helping Pets Fund
The American Animal Hospital Association provides veterinary care for pets in need through its AAHA Helping Pets Fund. According to the website The Fund does not accept applications from individuals. Only AAHA-accredited veterinary practices can apply for a grant on behalf of the pet in need. Assistance is limited to $700 per AAHA-accredited practice per calendar year. The maximum available to each family is $500 per year and $1000 lifetime. This fund helps veterinarians who act as good Samaritans for homeless pets. Pet owners having financial hardships can also be helped through this fund. Go to Guidelines for Grant Seekers for more information.
Cats in Crisis
Cats in Crisis is based in Lititz, PA. Victoria Kline started this organization in 2004 in memory of Mesa, her beloved cat who succumbed to renal failure in October 2003.
Read the guidelines here.
The mission of Cats in Crisis is to assist individuals who have exhausted all other financial means to provide the necessary medical care their cat needs. Funds are disbursed directly to veterinarians, pharmacies, or animal welfare organizations.
In Memory of Magic
In Memory of Magic helps with medical bills for pets in need. The mission as stated on the website is to better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. Find out how to proceed at the Financial Aid page.
Mosby Foundation
The Mosby Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, to assist in the care of sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs through financial support and public education. A licensed veterinarian must contact the foundation with case details.
Get the details at the Financial Aid page.
Goldstock Fund
The Goldstock Fund provides funds to rescue organizations or individuals to pay for transportation, boarding, evaluations and medical costs of golden retrievers and golden hearted dogs taken into rescue. The Goldstock Fund also provides educational information and materials to rescues and the public. Four different funds are listed on the website with guidelines and applications.
DJ & T Foundation
The DJ & T Foundation, founded by television personality Bob Barker, makes grants at the grassroots level to deserving organizations that provide low cost or free spay/neuter services or voucher programs. Read more about the program and download the application at the FAQ page.
Pedigree Foundation
Animal shelters can apply for a grant from the Pedigree Foundation.
Read the guidelines and instructions first. You may recognize shelters in your area as recipients of grants from this foundation.
Find more grant ideas on our blog.
How to write grant requests:
- Community colleges often offer classes in grant writing.
- Contact an instructor who teaches grant writing and ask for the name(s) of someone in your community who writes grant requests and/or may be willing to volunteer grant writing for your group.
- How to Write a Grant Proposal by Joanne Fritz at about.com
Take time to carefully read the mission of grantmakers and past grants they’ve made. Make sure your request complies with the stated mission.