Best Grants for Animal Rescue in Washington

Nonprofit animal welfare organizations and municipalities in Washington that are member agencies can apply for the Washington Federation of Animal Care & Control Agencies’ spay/neuter grants to fund dog and cat surgeries. Eligible member organizations focused on animal rescue and pet overpopulation may receive support for procedures benefiting low-income pet guardians and feral or free-roaming cats.

Washington animal welfare and related charities can access funding through Sunstate Equipment Foundation to support programs for abused or neglected animals, disadvantaged people, housing assistance, medical aid, domestic violence protection, and veterans. Eligible charities in good standing may apply once every 12 months in communities where the foundation operates.

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.

With a mission to advance animal health, Morris Animal Foundation provides Washington animal welfare researchers with funding for hypothesis-driven studies improving the health and welfare of domesticated cats. Established investigators with strong peer-reviewed publication records, including academic or industry collaborators, may be eligible for approximately US $100,000 over up to 36 months.

Veterinary schools, research institutions, and similar organizations conducting feline health research can seek funding to advance the welfare of domesticated cats, including community and pet cats, in Washington and beyond. Grants from Morris Animal Foundation help animal welfare and rescue-focused groups collaborate on hypothesis-driven studies, offering up to US $145,000 for fellowship training and salary support for new investigators.

Veterinary researchers conducting equine-focused studies in Washington can receive support for horse health care research and professional development. The Equus Foundation and The Foundation for the Horse provide US $5,500 total, including a $5,000 scholarship and $500 travel stipend to the AAEP Convention, for AVMA-accredited veterinary graduates nearing completion of a residency or doctoral program.

Research institutions and organizations studying swine health can apply for National Pork Board funding to investigate porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) immunology, diagnostics, prevention, and biosecurity in the U.S., including Washington. This opportunity offers up to US $500,000 to address defined PRRSv knowledge gaps through robust, well-designed research proposals.

No-kill animal rescue and shelter groups that are Petfinder members in Washington and across North America can use this program to support daily care for adoptable pets. With a mission to help shelters and rescue groups save pets, Petfinder Foundation provides US $250 - US $1,000 for food, supplies, vaccines, and other operational needs.

Washington animal welfare and advocacy organizations, research groups, and individuals working to improve nonhuman animal wellbeing can access funding through the Centre for Effective Altruism’s Animal Welfare Fund; awards up to US $200,000 support advocacy, research, movement-building, and alternative protein policy work with a global focus, including neglected regions and large-scale farmed animal issues.

Animal welfare and veterinary-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and exempt governmental units in Washington can seek funding for muscular dystrophy research or treatment, veterinary scholarships, and shelters or homes for small animals. Frances Downing Nix offers US $6,000 - US $12,000, with preference for Atlanta hospitals treating muscular dystrophy and accredited veterinary schools providing student scholarships.

Animal rescue and animal welfare 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Washington, can apply for Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support the care and comfort of small household pets. Funding is available year-round, with applications due by April 30 for review at the annual grant meeting.

U.S.-based animal welfare nonprofits, government agencies, and select for-profit organizations providing free vaccine services may be eligible for this campaign, including those serving Washington communities. Grants from Petco Love help expand access to no-cost vaccinations for pets and other domestic animals in need through the Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant.

U.S. nonprofit or municipal animal shelters and rescues with at least 100 dog and cat intakes, including those in Washington, can apply for ASPCA’s Rescue Effect Campaign Grants, with awards of US $10,000 to support adoptions and operations. Funding supports organizations that can offer multiple fee-waived adoption days during the campaign period.

Animal welfare nonprofits and government agencies providing veterinary care to owned pets can seek Community Care Grants to support on-site, mobile, or pop-up clinics in Washington and nationwide. Focused on preventive veterinary services, Banfield Foundation offers funding and medical supplies that may benefit animal rescue organizations serving pets and their owners.

Academic research institutions working on animal health, veterinary science, or zoonotic disease prevention in the U.S. and territories can apply for FDA’s Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers cooperative agreements, with awards up to US $7,500,000. Projects may support Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza interventions, intentional genomic alterations, or products for minor species and unmet veterinary medical needs, which may benefit animal welfare efforts in Washington.

U.S. veterinary schools with ACT-approved small animal theriogenology residency programs can seek support to fund a canine-focused resident in reproductive health and clinical genetics. Grants from American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation help programs train future specialists, which may benefit Washington organizations involved in animal welfare and purebred or purpose-bred dog health. Awards up to US $150,000 cover two- or three-year residencies.

U.S. veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation residency programs can apply for up to US $300,000 to train a canine-focused resident, including research in sports medicine. Programs in Washington working with animal welfare and canine rehabilitation may be eligible if credentialed by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Animal welfare researchers and organizations in Washington and across the U.S. can receive up to US $5,000 to cover open access article processing charges for peer-reviewed publications. Grants from ASPCA help fund dissemination of innovative animal welfare research, including topics like cruelty prevention, sheltering, applied behavior, veterinary access, community cats, equine, and farm animal welfare.

Animal rescue and shelter organizations in Washington caring for dogs awaiting adoption can seek funding to improve canine enrichment, including play yard renovations and interactive items. With a mission to enhance dog wellbeing, Petfinder Foundation provides support across North America; awards up to US $3,000 must be used for upcoming expenses within three months.

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

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.

Washington-based individual artists at least 18 years old can apply for 4Culture’s design-only opportunity, with awards up to US $3,000, to create two-dimensional artwork for a new animal shelter in Kent. This commission supports digital designs celebrating the human-animal bond, which will be fabricated as panels and window film for Regional Animal Services of King County.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

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.