Get funding for animal rescue efforts, shelters, spay/neuter programs, and initiatives protecting abandoned and abused animals
200+
Available grants
$6.8M
Total funding
$8K
Median grant
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ASPCA PRO
ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.
ASPCA Research Grants
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.
This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:
Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in.
Farm Animal Welfare Research
Proposals exploring how farmers’ use of healthier, non-conventional broiler chicken breeds, intersects with the birds’ use of pasture, environmental outcomes, and/or chicken product nutritional content. Research may be conducted by farms or other businesses in addition to academic or research institutions. However, field studies must include an academic partner or follow established field trial protocols for design and data collection.
ASPCA PRO
ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.
ASPCA Research Grants
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.
This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:
Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in.
Psychological Trauma Research
Proposals related to developing and validating novel approaches to the objective documentation of animal cruelty and neglect in the absence of physical trauma (i.e., documenting psychological trauma) in dogs. Proposals are encouraged from any relevant discipline (e.g., physiology, psychology, ethology). Of particular interest is research that focuses on objective measures, including biomarkers and quantitative behavioral phenotyping.
The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.
Special Giving Program
Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets.
In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.
Taos Community Foundation Impact Grants
Taos Community Foundation Impact Grants provide both project funding and core operational support to local non-profits. This is a competitive grant cycle that addresses key needs in our community, including animal welfare, arts & culture, basic needs, community advocacy, environmental sustainability, health, education, and youth.
Awards will generally range from $2,000 to $5,000.
About the Georgia Department of Agriculture
The Georgia Department of Agriculture administers a variety of programs which all have a primary goal - to maintain the state's viable farm industry and protect the consuming public. Our focus is on meeting the needs of Georgia's citizens.
The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates, monitors, or assists with the following areas: grocery stores, convenience stores, food warehouses, bottling plants, food processing plants, pet dealers and breeders, animal health, gasoline quality and pump calibration, antifreeze, weights and measures, marketing of Georgia agricultural products domestically and internationally, pesticides, structural pest control, meat processing plants, seed quality, Vidalia onions, state farmers markets, plant diseases, nurseries and garden centers, fertilizer and lime, potting soil; feed, boll weevil eradication, apiaries, Humane Care for Equines Act, bottled water, and other responsibilities. The department publishes a bi-weekly newspaper: The Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, which is available online as well as in printed form.
Dog and Cat Sterilization Program (DCSP)
Three Plates, One Purpose
Dog and cat overpopulation is a tragic problem that affects all areas of Georgia. Each year, thousands of healthy, friendly dogs and cats are euthanized because of overpopulation. Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats helps reduce this problem. Since this program began, thousands of sterilization procedures have been performed by Georgia veterinarians benefiting from the DCSP grant.
Currently, funds for the program are raised by the sale of the three dog and cat license plates shown above. You can get your spay/neuter tag through your local tag office, or make a contribution by checking the box on your Georgia Tax return. The fastest way to put your money to work helping our dog and cat population is to contribute directly by clicking the "Donate" button located on this webpage.
The DCSP grant does not give money to individuals. Licensed rescues, local government animal shelters, and veterinary medical foundations are eligible to apply for the grant. In turn, individuals may apply to the grant recipients for assistance with spay/neuter procedures. Please encourage your local shelter and/or rescues to apply for the next grant application when it opens.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) manages the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly created the Dog and Cat Reproductive Sterilization Support Program to subsidize spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, resulting in the DCSP program.
ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant
ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:
Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:
Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to:
Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.
Grant Amounts
Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000.
Eligibility
ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.
Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Grant
The Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Endowment offers grants to organizations that work to protect and care for pets and animals in Lauderdale County.
Design-Only Artist Opportunity: Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)
One Washington state-based artist will be commissioned to create six to eight two-dimensional designs for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Kent.
For this design-only project, the selected artist will deliver digital files for fabrication onto metal panels and window film, with fabrication and installation managed by 4Culture.
The artwork will honor and celebrate the human-animal bond and RASKC’s role in supporting the pets and people in the community they serve.
Budget
$15,000 artist design fee for project research and engagement with RASKC, and design-only development of artwork that will be translated into digital files. This work is inclusive of WA Sales/Use Tax, and other applicable taxes.
Additional funds available for the following:
Opportunity
King County Executive Services has embarked on a project to replace the current aging Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. King County purchased a building that will be the new animal shelter and headquarters for Regional Animal Services. The facility is located at 5920 S. 194th St. in Kent, and the project will renovate a warehouse into a modern, state of the art animal care center.
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) operates the county’s primary Pet Adoption Center in Kent, WA. Its mission is to provide King County with sustainable, cost-effective services that protect people and animals, while providing humane animal care. RASKC is built on the cornerstone values of compassion and service. They demonstrate this commitment in the countless hours spent by staff and RASKC volunteers to save animals’ lives at the shelter and in the field. By collaborating with community partners, they are able to expand programs and resources to provide even greater value to residents. RASKC provides the following services:
Animal Control – RASKC is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people and pets in their service area. RASKC provides a 24-hour public safety response to dangerous animals, loose livestock on public roadways, as well as animal injury and abuse. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) conduct investigations, enforce state and local laws related to animals, as well as educate the public about animal welfare, restraint, and licensing. ACOs respond to more than 5,000 calls each year and cover nearly 1,100 square miles and a population of more than one million people.
Lost and Found Services – RASKC provides animal care and control in 24 contracting cities and the unincorporated areas of King County. They also provide information on how to help a stray pet get back home.
Adoptions – RASKC’s goal is to place healthy and treatable adoptable pets into permanent homes. They welcome all adopters and aim to find a great match for every prospective adopter by providing as much information as they can about each animal and ultimately allowing each adopter to make the final decision about what is right for their family.
Licensing – King County pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats eight weeks of age or older living in the Regional Animal Services coverage area. A pet license identifies and protects a dog or cat in case they get lost.
Pet Owner Assistance Program – For pet owners experiencing economic hardship, RASKC has a Community Pet Food Bank, and provides dog and cat kibble (dry food), with cat litter, canned pet food, and other pet toys and supplies available depending on incoming donations.
Adam R Scripps Foundation
Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.
Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.
Animal Welfare Grant
From local animal shelters to habitat conservation efforts, we are committed to supporting animal welfare initiatives of all types and scales.
Grants for animal rescue fund nonprofits dedicated to protecting animals, improving shelters, and providing veterinary care. These grants empower organizations to save lives, promote adoption, and enhance animal welfare in their communities.
Find 91 funding opportunities for animal rescue initiatives, with $1.6M available. Instrumentl offers nonprofits tailored tools for searching grants, tracking deadlines, and accessing funder insights to support animal welfare efforts.
How common are grants in this category?
Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Animal Rescue?
Most grants are due in the third quarter.
Animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and advocacy groups that rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals can qualify for these grants. Most of the time, funders will prioritize organizations that focus on reducing animal cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Grants for animal rescue typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q3, with 30.6% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q4.
The overall purpose of these grants is to reduce animal suffering. To that effect, funders offer awards to organizations that support things like rescue operations, medical care for abandoned pets, and adoption initiatives.
Funding for animal rescue grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $275,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $9,500, while the average grant awarded is $26,165. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Pet-related organizations like the ASPCA, the Humane Society, and the Petco Foundation generally award grants for animal welfare initiatives. These organizations support a wide range of programs, from shelter operations to animal rescue efforts.
Government agencies, such as municipal animal control departments, also provide funding for animal welfare projects. Additionally, corporate sponsors like PetSmart Charities and the Bissell Pet Foundation contribute to these efforts, focusing on initiatives that improve animal care and adoption rates. Private foundations, including the Banfield Foundation and the Pedigree Foundation, further support animal welfare by funding programs that help pets and their owners.
To improve their success rate, applicants should show funders how they've practically impacted animal welfare in their communities. A great way to do this is to provide data on adoption success rates and show how engaged their community is in these efforts. One of the best strategies for standing out is partnering with veterinarians, local businesses, and animal advocacy groups on applications.
Discover how Eversight increased their grant success rate from 14% to 22%.Instrumentl makes it easy for animal rescue organizations to find good-fit grant opportunities that they are eligible for. And by tracking funding opportunities for them, Instrumentl helps ensure applicants never miss a deadline.
Use Instrumentl’s reporting tools to track and analyze grant performance.