Animal Welfare Professionals

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

Thanks for the reply, Lisa. Yes, I have gotten Walmart grants. What i was trying to say is that the larger grants like Bissell are only giving partner grants to large existing shelters, not rescues. This seems to be a trend, like Best Friends will not give grants to areas they consider "no-kill". If a county only has a "dog warden" that does not make them  no-kill. Some grantmakers are only giving to shelters and excluding rescues who often do all of the heavy lifting in their areas.

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

I'm in the process of submitted a grant to Cold Noses Foundation. I noticed on the form (which is due today, unfortunately) that the animals serviced include farm animals, wild life and other categories. They are a world wide giver, so they may be an option. Take a look and be prepped for next year. I hope this helps.

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

Best of Success Buck.  We received a Cold Noses grant last year  for around $5K for veterinary care (our largest operating expense). They were easy to work with and the reporting requirements were not overly time-consuming.  What I strongly suggest, if you get the grant, is to send them regular emails and photos of what the animals their grant is assisting.  They love that! 

I'm in the process of submitted a grant to Cold Noses Foundation. I noticed on the form (which is due today, unfortunately) that the animals serviced include farm animals, wild life and other categories. They are a world wide giver, so they may be an option. Take a look and be prepped for next year. I hope this helps.

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

I'm in the process of submitted a grant to Cold Noses Foundation. I noticed on the form (which is due today, unfortunately) that the animals serviced include farm animals, wild life and other categories. They are a world wide giver, so they may be an option. Take a look and be prepped for next year. I hope this helps.

We have found it very difficult as well to find grants for our sanctuary. We are in a rural area but we take in farm and exotic animals. Grants to help farm animals are even more scarce. We do have good luck with local community foundations in neighboring cities though. You may want to look locally. Also we have applied for Walmart Spark Good grants. They have a very simple application but are hit and miss. 

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

Agree. The grant makers are increasingly eliminating the grass roots organizations from consideration-which is very sad and very short-sighted. In my area (central AZ) it is the GRASS ROOTS organizations such as mine (we assist with spay-neuter costs for low income pet owners and feral cat caregivers) that work to address pet overpopulation so that our shelters are able to work toward becoming no-kill!

This said, however-Bissell has never been realistic about  funding even when they would support non-profits such as mine, they would fund only 25$ toward a cat surgery and 35$ toward a dog. This meant that we have had to schedule MORE surgeries than we could actually afford, simply so we could "use up" the Bissell grant. Not cost effective.  

I have had NO luck with Walmart-perhaps success depends upon area in which one is located.

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

I actually have not experienced this!  We are a TN-based grass-roots cat rescue with a $250K annual budget.  In the past 18 months we've received 7 different grants from foundations across the US (none from TN!).   They've ranged from $2,000 to $12,500 and total over $50K.   I feel our success comes from serious research about each foundation BEFORE you apply.  I look up their officers on-line, look at 990s,  and check them out any way I can.  Then I am able to craft the grant request to match their interests very closely.  One thing we have done that helps with focusing grants is we ask for specifics, not general operating funds.  We established a Veterinary Fund, a Transport Fund (we transport most of our rescues out-of-state), a Foster Fund (aimed at providing our foster homes their needed supplies), and a Facilities Fund (to help cover big ticket items for our physical facility -just had to replace HVAC unit for example).  So the more specific you can be in seeking grants, I feel the more successful you'll be!  

Agree. The grant makers are increasingly eliminating the grass roots organizations from consideration-which is very sad and very short-sighted. In my area (central AZ) it is the GRASS ROOTS organizations such as mine (we assist with spay-neuter costs for low income pet owners and feral cat caregivers) that work to address pet overpopulation so that our shelters are able to work toward becoming no-kill!

This said, however-Bissell has never been realistic about  funding even when they would support non-profits such as mine, they would fund only 25$ toward a cat surgery and 35$ toward a dog. This meant that we have had to schedule MORE surgeries than we could actually afford, simply so we could "use up" the Bissell grant. Not cost effective.  

I have had NO luck with Walmart-perhaps success depends upon area in which one is located.

------------------------------
L.A Nesbitt
President
Pets In Need Action League
Casa Grande, AZ 85130

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2024 06:01 PM
From: Mary Stevanus
Subject: Excluding Rescues from Grants

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

I actually have not experienced this!  We are a TN-based grass-roots cat rescue with a $250K annual budget.  In the past 18 months we've received 7 different grants from foundations across the US (none from TN!).   They've ranged from $2,000 to $12,500 and total over $50K.   I feel our success comes from serious research about each foundation BEFORE you apply.  I look up their officers on-line, look at 990s,  and check them out any way I can.  Then I am able to craft the grant request to match their interests very closely.  One thing we have done that helps with focusing grants is we ask for specifics, not general operating funds.  We established a Veterinary Fund, a Transport Fund (we transport most of our rescues out-of-state), a Foster Fund (aimed at providing our foster homes their needed supplies), and a Facilities Fund (to help cover big ticket items for our physical facility -just had to replace HVAC unit for example).  So the more specific you can be in seeking grants, I feel the more successful you'll be!  

Agree. The grant makers are increasingly eliminating the grass roots organizations from consideration-which is very sad and very short-sighted. In my area (central AZ) it is the GRASS ROOTS organizations such as mine (we assist with spay-neuter costs for low income pet owners and feral cat caregivers) that work to address pet overpopulation so that our shelters are able to work toward becoming no-kill!

This said, however-Bissell has never been realistic about  funding even when they would support non-profits such as mine, they would fund only 25$ toward a cat surgery and 35$ toward a dog. This meant that we have had to schedule MORE surgeries than we could actually afford, simply so we could "use up" the Bissell grant. Not cost effective.  

I have had NO luck with Walmart-perhaps success depends upon area in which one is located.

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

We have neglected maintenance on our rescue as we use most funds for spay/neuter and vet surgeries. I haven't seen a grant like you explained.  We are a small rescue in Georgia. Would you be willing to share grant information?

I actually have not experienced this!  We are a TN-based grass-roots cat rescue with a $250K annual budget.  In the past 18 months we've received 7 different grants from foundations across the US (none from TN!).   They've ranged from $2,000 to $12,500 and total over $50K.   I feel our success comes from serious research about each foundation BEFORE you apply.  I look up their officers on-line, look at 990s,  and check them out any way I can.  Then I am able to craft the grant request to match their interests very closely.  One thing we have done that helps with focusing grants is we ask for specifics, not general operating funds.  We established a Veterinary Fund, a Transport Fund (we transport most of our rescues out-of-state), a Foster Fund (aimed at providing our foster homes their needed supplies), and a Facilities Fund (to help cover big ticket items for our physical facility -just had to replace HVAC unit for example).  So the more specific you can be in seeking grants, I feel the more successful you'll be!  

Agree. The grant makers are increasingly eliminating the grass roots organizations from consideration-which is very sad and very short-sighted. In my area (central AZ) it is the GRASS ROOTS organizations such as mine (we assist with spay-neuter costs for low income pet owners and feral cat caregivers) that work to address pet overpopulation so that our shelters are able to work toward becoming no-kill!

This said, however-Bissell has never been realistic about  funding even when they would support non-profits such as mine, they would fund only 25$ toward a cat surgery and 35$ toward a dog. This meant that we have had to schedule MORE surgeries than we could actually afford, simply so we could "use up" the Bissell grant. Not cost effective.  

I have had NO luck with Walmart-perhaps success depends upon area in which one is located.

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia

This is the 3rd time I've tried to reply…cross your fingers. I think the key is framing the project correctly…instead of reduce backlog maintenance, from it as a renovation of the cats living area. Most grants I've seen don't fund operating expenses ie maintenance but may do rehabilitation. I've recently learned that if you find a funding source that may match your needs, give them a call and ask. We've asked for funds for improve the living conditions of our cats by replacing worn out cat trees and increasing their number. The Cold Noses Foundation has just closed it's 2024 grant submissions (1 July - 31 July) but see if you can down load their grant application questions and prep for the next possible grant and for next year. Hope that helps.

We have neglected maintenance on our rescue as we use most funds for spay/neuter and vet surgeries. I haven't seen a grant like you explained.  We are a small rescue in Georgia. Would you be willing to share grant information?

I actually have not experienced this!  We are a TN-based grass-roots cat rescue with a $250K annual budget.  In the past 18 months we've received 7 different grants from foundations across the US (none from TN!).   They've ranged from $2,000 to $12,500 and total over $50K.   I feel our success comes from serious research about each foundation BEFORE you apply.  I look up their officers on-line, look at 990s,  and check them out any way I can.  Then I am able to craft the grant request to match their interests very closely.  One thing we have done that helps with focusing grants is we ask for specifics, not general operating funds.  We established a Veterinary Fund, a Transport Fund (we transport most of our rescues out-of-state), a Foster Fund (aimed at providing our foster homes their needed supplies), and a Facilities Fund (to help cover big ticket items for our physical facility -just had to replace HVAC unit for example).  So the more specific you can be in seeking grants, I feel the more successful you'll be!  

Agree. The grant makers are increasingly eliminating the grass roots organizations from consideration-which is very sad and very short-sighted. In my area (central AZ) it is the GRASS ROOTS organizations such as mine (we assist with spay-neuter costs for low income pet owners and feral cat caregivers) that work to address pet overpopulation so that our shelters are able to work toward becoming no-kill!

This said, however-Bissell has never been realistic about  funding even when they would support non-profits such as mine, they would fund only 25$ toward a cat surgery and 35$ toward a dog. This meant that we have had to schedule MORE surgeries than we could actually afford, simply so we could "use up" the Bissell grant. Not cost effective.  

I have had NO luck with Walmart-perhaps success depends upon area in which one is located.

Recently, several large grants (Bissell and one other) have announced they are focusing grants for s/n, etc. on shelters, esp. no-kill shelters. I do not say that shelters are not critical to rehoming and reducing overpopulation, but in many rural areas there ARE NO shelters, often only animal control or "dog wardens". These are often small, understaffed who take in dogs only, no cats. In these cases, rescues are on only ones who step up to try to rescue, care for, and s/n cats and kittens often out of our own pockets. Cats don't get to shelters if none exist. Some rural counties will not work with rescues to transport community cats to larger shelters/rescues who can care for them and find new homes.

It seems as if available grants are getting scarcer and scarcer and this is add to the crisis of animal overpopulation in rural areas.  Not my imagination.

Mary Stevanus

West Virginia