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Animal Shelter Anonymous asked this question on 6/17/2002: Is there federal funding or government grants for people wanting to open an animal shelter? Are animal shelters considered non-profit organizations? Thanks in advance.

beainsc gave this response on 6/18/2002: No, there is no federal funding available. We are operating our own non-profit no-kill animal shelter, which is 90% privately funded. There are various foundations in the Nation, which do have grant programs: ACES Foundation Funding for training initiatives at the state or regional level (individuals and shelters are not eligible). Range: Generally $250. Deadline: N/A (year-round). Albert Schweitzer Animal Welfare Fund Provides grants for a variety of innovative animal welfare programs including humane education, enhancing humane shelter operation, wildlife protection or implementing solutions to animal overpopulation. Write or fax for an application packet. Range: varies up to $5000. Filing deadline: postmarked by 1/1. Bernice Barbour Foundation Provides grants for hands on animal care projects for the prevention of cruelty. Strongly favors shelters with a mandatory spay/neuter policy before application. Write for an application packet. Range: varies, up to $5,000 Deadline: N/A (year-round) DJ & T Foundation Focus is on low cost and/or mobile spay/neuter clinics. Range: varies. Deadline: N/A (year-round). Doris Day Animal League Applications are reviewed monthly for all types of animal issues. No application. Mail proposals. Range: averages $2,000. The Edith Goode Foundation Aids educational and spay/neuter programs, effective promotion of adoptions, and new organizations setting up specific programs or to establish programs which they lack funding for. Requires a thorough evaluation of the results of projects for which grants are awarded. Elinor Patterson Baker Trust Fund Offers grants four times a year for a wide variety of shelter needs, including prevention of cruelty, spay/neuter, shelter improvements, and innovative new programs. Gladys W. Sargent Foundation Funding to non-profits agencies that work to encourage kindness and understanding of human beings toward all animals. Range: $5.000 - $15,000. Deadline: 9/1 Maddies Fund - The Pet Rescue Foundation Maddie's Fund will support animal welfare groups operating within the United States that are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt organizations. Groups seeking funding must be no-kill organizations that provide comprehensive medical treatment and behavior rehabilitation for all animals under their management. Projects must be community-based with the cooperation of various other agencies and animal care professionals. Successful projects are expected to place more shelter pets, to reduce total deaths of shelter cats and dogs and to undertake aggressive spay/neuter programs in order to reduce the deaths of adoptable shelter cats and dogs to zero in five years or less. Maddie's Fund will not provide money for shelter construction, humane education programs, or emergency funding nor do they fund government-funded animal control agencies. Amount: varies depending on request. There is no deadline for submission. Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant - American Humane Association Funds capital campaigns, building improvements, and equipment purchases that directly affect the welfare of animals in shelters. Grants may be up to $4,000. Applicants must be a supporting member of the American Humane Association and incorporated as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit agency.

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