Animal Welfare Professionals

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Kim - You have to go to the Foundation portion of Candid. They have a grants database and software to search for grants. If you have gotten a gold seal of transparency from Candid, you can get free access to database if you have less than $1M in revenue (I think). Anyway, we have free access to the database and it saves us $2K in the cost of commercial databases. Search "Go for the Gold" in Candid and you should find it.

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Buck,

The Foundation has a platinum seal on guidestar.  I finally found my way to candid. Thank you for the help.

Kim - You have to go to the Foundation portion of Candid. They have a grants database and software to search for grants. If you have gotten a gold seal of transparency from Candid, you can get free access to database if you have less than $1M in revenue (I think). Anyway, we have free access to the database and it saves us $2K in the cost of commercial databases. Search "Go for the Gold" in Candid and you should find it.

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

We are on Candid, too, and the only source of grant funding I can find is through a very expensive list of grant funding resources.  We desperately need funding but can't afford this resource.  Am I missing something?

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

We are on Candid, too, and the only source of grant funding I can find is through a very expensive list of grant funding resources.  We desperately need funding but can't afford this resource.  Am I missing something?

We are on Candid but I have not seen any grants available for our organization.  I will look at it again.  

If you're not aware of Candid (https://candid.org/), they are a great resources for finding funding. 

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

I will add a couple of lists you can check to see if they have anything that applies to your organization. Make sure you also check out grants local to your area. Local businesses often have small community grants that you may be eligible for.  

Humane Pro List

Open Sanctuary List

Animal Grantmakers

NACANET List

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

It's all very overwhelming especially considering I'm just a volunteer and have no experience with finding grants. I tried looking on candid, but I'm not paying for resources. We are a small nonprofit shelter with very little funding so any money we get in goes to the animals. So if anyone has any other ideas besides candid I'm all ears. Please and thank you.

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

It's all very overwhelming especially considering I'm just a volunteer and have no experience with finding grants. I tried looking on candid, but I'm not paying for resources. We are a small nonprofit shelter with very little funding so any money we get in goes to the animals. So if anyone has any other ideas besides candid I'm all ears. Please and thank you.

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

@Kim Jackson it is very overwhelming. We founded our farm and exotic animal sanctuary in 2017 and didn't win a single grant for two years. Finding grants for animals other than cats and dogs adds another layer of challenge. We started reaching out to local community foundations and asking specific questions regarding their grant offerings. Opening a line of communication helped us to write better grants and we have consistantly won grants from three different local community foundations for the past five years.  For me finding time to research and write is the biggest challenge. We are also volunteer run and alot of the day to day care of the 181 animals falls to me and my husband. It leaves little time (and brain cells) for fundraising and grant writing. 

We found help where we didn't expect to find it. I set up a profile on volunteermatch.org with several different volunteer opportunities. My goal was to get more daily hands on volunteers to help with the sanctuary chores. I included that we needed help with grant research, grant writing and fundraising. I was surprised when someone reached out to us about grant writing.  She lives in a different state which works fine because everything is completed online.  She has been an amazing help the last two years. In 2023 together we wrote 11 grants and won 5 , in 2024 we wrote 12 and won 8. So far this year we have written 7 and won 4.  She has been a tremendous help.  Sites like volunteermatch can be hit or miss though. We haven't had any success with finding hands on volunteers like we thought we would. You may want to also reach out to any colleges in your area. You may find students who want to beef up their portfolio with volunteer hours. 

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

@Kim Jackson it is very overwhelming. We founded our farm and exotic animal sanctuary in 2017 and didn't win a single grant for two years. Finding grants for animals other than cats and dogs adds another layer of challenge. We started reaching out to local community foundations and asking specific questions regarding their grant offerings. Opening a line of communication helped us to write better grants and we have consistantly won grants from three different local community foundations for the past five years.  For me finding time to research and write is the biggest challenge. We are also volunteer run and alot of the day to day care of the 181 animals falls to me and my husband. It leaves little time (and brain cells) for fundraising and grant writing. 

We found help where we didn't expect to find it. I set up a profile on volunteermatch.org with several different volunteer opportunities. My goal was to get more daily hands on volunteers to help with the sanctuary chores. I included that we needed help with grant research, grant writing and fundraising. I was surprised when someone reached out to us about grant writing.  She lives in a different state which works fine because everything is completed online.  She has been an amazing help the last two years. In 2023 together we wrote 11 grants and won 5 , in 2024 we wrote 12 and won 8. So far this year we have written 7 and won 4.  She has been a tremendous help.  Sites like volunteermatch can be hit or miss though. We haven't had any success with finding hands on volunteers like we thought we would. You may want to also reach out to any colleges in your area. You may find students who want to beef up their portfolio with volunteer hours. 

Is it just me or is all of this just overwhelming? Me? Ah, ok.

Hello, Megan! We've recently been upping our grant writing game and have found the Foundation Center page of Candid FDO Professional super helpful. You need to pay for this one and it's not cheap, but it can be by the month ($220 a month I believe). We paid for two and really buckled down on collecting a ton of data we will use to apply for grants for the rest of the year. 

The features and information provided are extensive and you can filter to customize your search includes the grantors financials, history, application process, contact, support strategies, and focus. Also the subjects being funded, size of the grants, the orgs they are going to and their location, and even other orgs similar to them to help expand your search. So much more. It's truly an incredible tool. 

https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

I've had really great success with the Cuddly platform. Also look into Walmart Spark Good Grants, we were awarded $500 by one of our local Walmart stores recently!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Yes, good call, Nicole!

The Spark Good grants are very easy to apply to, and you can win up to 25 $5,000 grants a year. Not just APPLY to 25 a year, but WIN 25 a year. That means you can apply to 25 at once, and if one goes from "pending" to "rejected", you can apply at another one. It includes Walmart stores AND Sam's stores in your area. We've won about five so far this year for $9,000 total. 

I've had really great success with the Cuddly platform. Also look into Walmart Spark Good Grants, we were awarded $500 by one of our local Walmart stores recently!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

I had no idea WalMart and Sam's would fund that many grants.  Do they have grant categories or do you just submit your program and hope for the best?  Does each grant (request)  have to link to a store in your area (county, etc.)?  We received a small grant about 10 years ago but they then changed the categories they would fund and we did not qualify.  They seemed to prefer that an animal proposal  have a human focus -- ex:  working with children and animals, etc.  as opposed to a straight TNVR type project.  

Yes, good call, Nicole!

The Spark Good grants are very easy to apply to, and you can win up to 25 $5,000 grants a year. Not just APPLY to 25 a year, but WIN 25 a year. That means you can apply to 25 at once, and if one goes from "pending" to "rejected", you can apply at another one. It includes Walmart stores AND Sam's stores in your area. We've won about five so far this year for $9,000 total. 

I've had really great success with the Cuddly platform. Also look into Walmart Spark Good Grants, we were awarded $500 by one of our local Walmart stores recently!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

I've had really great success with the Cuddly platform. Also look into Walmart Spark Good Grants, we were awarded $500 by one of our local Walmart stores recently!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Hey, could use some hints on that! I signed up there but have gotten zero traction. 

I've had really great success with the Cuddly platform. Also look into Walmart Spark Good Grants, we were awarded $500 by one of our local Walmart stores recently!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

I just started my position at an Animal Rescue, but in the past have been really successful getting hyperlocal grants. Check with local banks, community resources, other spots like that. Lots of small grants (while way more time consuming) can add up to one big one. It absolutely is tough work though!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Candid has a free webinar July 29.  Introduction to Finding Grants.  I received an email about it.  The time is 1 pm to 3:30 pm Central time.  

I just started my position at an Animal Rescue, but in the past have been really successful getting hyperlocal grants. Check with local banks, community resources, other spots like that. Lots of small grants (while way more time consuming) can add up to one big one. It absolutely is tough work though!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!

Not to increase the competition, but where are you guys finding grants?! I know there are alot of medical cases, of which I've got plenty, but what else have you guys found that has been helpful. Or what types of grants in the future would be helpful?

We have tons of medical dogs right now- from 14 heartworm cases, to 2 TPLOs (ones even a double!), to an eye loss, an ongoing medical mystery, to parvo, to a fracture in the dorsal spine. It's hard to find help for these that aren't sexy emergency cases, and aren't cancer. Especially for my spinal fracture baby that needs ongoing physical therapy or a surgery that is tens of thousands of dollars and out of state. She is doing really well, but paying so much for physical therapy is of course really hard for us- and is hindering her chance at her forever since few people (especially people in Oklahoma) want to take that out. 

Are there resources I'm just somehow missing that you all have found helpful?!