Best Grants for Dog Rescues in South Dakota

South Dakota dog rescues and other managed open admission humane organizations can access funding through St. Croix Valley Foundation to support shelter and rescue animals. Grants up to Up to US $3,000 may cover food, supplies, medicine, infrastructure needs, in-house spay/neuter, newsletters, and other programs that improve animal care and adoption chances in the upper Midwest.

The Morris Animal Foundation is dedicated to improving the health of animals through scientific research and funding. With a focus on domesticated cats, the Feline Health First Award supports innovative research that addresses the welfare of both community and pet cats. Grants are available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with a maximum budget of $120,000. This initiative encourages collaborations that translate research findings into practical applications for veterinarians and cat caretakers.

The Morris Animal Foundation offers the Annual Feline Health Pilot Study Award to support innovative research that enhances the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This funding is aimed at proof-of-concept studies, advancing animal health research through collaborative projects. With a maximum funding of $20,000 for a 12-month duration, the foundation seeks proposals that have a significant impact on both scientific and community stakeholders, ensuring a healthier future for feline populations.

South Dakota animal health researchers and institutions focused on domestic cats can seek funding for hypothesis-driven feline health studies through Morris Animal Foundation’s Established Investigator Award, with average awards around Approximately US $100,000. Focused on animal welfare for pets, this program supports experienced investigators with strong peer-reviewed publication records, including academic–industry collaborations.

Veterinary schools and research institutions conducting feline health studies can access funding through Morris Animal Foundation to support fellowship training projects that advance the health and welfare of domesticated cats. Grants up to Up to US $145,000 provide up to 24 months of salary support for new investigators; South Dakota animal welfare organizations with research capacity may be eligible.

South Dakota veterinary researchers focused on equine health can access funding through Equus Foundation’s Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship to support their training and research careers. Graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program receive US $5,500 for equine research and travel to the AAEP Convention, which may benefit animal welfare organizations.

No-kill pet adoption groups caring for dogs and other domestic animals in South Dakota and across North America can receive US $250 - US $1,000 to support daily operations, including food, supplies, and vaccines. Petfinder Foundation’s Wag Wine Operation program funds Petfinder member organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico on a monthly basis.

Nonprofits, individuals, and institutions working on animal advocacy, research, or movement-building can apply for up to US $200,000 to improve nonhuman animal welfare worldwide, including South Dakota. With a mission to alleviate animal suffering, Centre for Effective Altruism provides support for projects on farmed and wild animals rather than direct care for pets or shelters.

Animal welfare and veterinary-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and exempt governmental units in South Dakota can seek US $6,000 - US $12,000 to support muscular dystrophy research or treatment, veterinary scholarships, or small animal shelters. The Frances Downing Nix Trust supports domestic animal care, with preference for Atlanta hospitals and accredited veterinary schools providing student scholarships.

Grants from 1992 Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust help South Dakota animal welfare organizations that care for small household pets fund programs and services, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) shelters, dog pounds, and similar groups nationwide may be considered, with a preference for New Jersey-based organizations.

Animal welfare organizations providing free vaccine services, including South Dakota dog rescues, can apply for Petco Love’s Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and certain invited for-profit entities with an animal welfare purpose; individuals and non-U.S. organizations are not supported.

South Dakota animal welfare organizations with at least 100 annual dog and cat intakes can access funding through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to support adoption and shelter operations. U.S. nonprofits and municipal agencies must offer fee-waived adoption days during the Rescue Effect campaign; awards are US $10,000.

Animal welfare nonprofits and government agencies providing veterinary care to owned pets in South Dakota can receive funding and medical supplies to run on-site, mobile, or pop-up clinics. Banfield Foundation’s Community Care Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations helping pets and their owners in under-resourced U.S. communities, which may include dog rescues offering preventive services.

Academic research institutions working on veterinary science, animal welfare, or related animal health research in South Dakota can apply for up to US $7,500,000 to establish Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers. The US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration supports projects on avian influenza, zoonotic diseases, genomic alterations, and unmet veterinary medical needs that may benefit dog rescue partners.

United States veterinary schools with ACT-approved small animal theriogenology residency programs can seek up to US $150,000 to support a canine-focused resident in reproductive health and clinical genetics. Focused on veterinary science and animal welfare, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation invites programs whose work may benefit dog rescues in South Dakota and beyond.

Veterinary sports medicine residency programs in the U.S. can apply for funding to train a canine-focused resident, including work with dogs needing rehabilitation and performance or companion dogs. Focused on veterinary science and animal welfare, the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation offers up to US $300,000, which may benefit South Dakota programs serving dog rescue populations.

Researchers, academics, and animal welfare organizations in South Dakota and across the U.S. can apply for the ASPCA Open Access Publishing Fund, which awards up to US $5,000 per article to cover open-access journal fees. Projects must advance animal welfare, including areas like cruelty prevention, sheltering, behavior, veterinary access, and companion animal care.

Dog rescues and shelters in South Dakota can seek funding to enhance the quality of life for dogs in their care through enrichment activities, toys, sensory items, and play yard renovations. Petfinder Foundation’s Dog Enrichment Grant offers up to US $3,000 across two categories for upcoming expenses, which must be used within three months.

South Dakota animal welfare nonprofits and municipal agencies can receive support to feed and care for domestic animals and pets impacted by COVID-19. Focused on emergency animal care, American Humane invites eligible shelters and rescue organizations to apply for help with critical supplies like food and basic operational needs through the Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund.

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.

• Animal Care and Protection
  • The unconditional love of a pet can have positive mental and physical health benefits beyond companionship.
  • We support local shelters’ efforts to protect, care for and ultimately find forever homes for animals while recognizing the unique needs of specialty and disabled pet care, financial assistance for owners with low-incomes, and education and medical research. 
• Conservation and Education
  • Programs meant to promote understanding and appreciation of our country’s natural resources and ecosystems, while teaching how to protect them for the future.
  • We support zoos & aquariums, animal education outreach, and habitat conservation efforts that ensure future generations can enjoy our natural world.
• Service Animals
  • Service animals help enable substantial improvements in humans with both physical and mental health conditions.
  • We support the needs of service dogs, working animals, retirement sanctuaries, farm animals, and highly trained animals for assisted therapies.

The Stark County Dairy Promoters Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students from Stark County, Ohio. Eligible applicants must be pursuing college-level studies in dairy science, large animal veterinary medicine, human nutrition, or food science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to support the next generation of leaders in these essential fields, fostering educational growth and community development.

Equine welfare nonprofits and ASPCA Right Horse partners in South Dakota and nationwide can seek funding to expand adoption capacity or provide safety-net services that keep owned horses in their homes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 for programs focused on retired Thoroughbred racehorses and community equines.

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:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

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.

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.

The ASPCA Research Grants for Shelter Research invite proposals in six key areas including Access to Veterinary Care, Applied Behavior Research, and Shelter Research. These grants aim to fund high-quality research that can significantly benefit animal welfare. Eligible investigators from U.S. entities and certain Canadian organizations are encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes collaboration between shelters and researchers, fostering innovative solutions to improve the well-being of animals in shelter settings.

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:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

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.