Best Grants for Dog Rescues in Virginia

Radio Systems Corporation aims to enhance community welfare through its Product Donation Requests program. With over $2 million contributed last year, the initiative focuses on supporting non-profits dedicated to animal welfare and youth education. This year, the goal is to positively impact 14.5 million individuals and pets. The program welcomes applications from eligible organizations, while ensuring that for-profit entities and political campaigns are not considered for donations.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region works with individuals and families to create permanent gifts for our community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

For more than 25 years, The Community Foundation has been a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. Our vision is to be a trusted leader in engaged charitable giving and provide accessible, inclusive and sustainable philanthropy. 

The Homeless Animals Support Network Fund

This fund, entrusted to the foundation in 2023, is the next step in the evolution of the Homeless Animals Support Network - HASN’s mission to meet the needs of homeless animals all over Virginia.

The work began in October of 2012 as a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to saving lives and advocating for homeless animals in Prince William County. Realizing the need for assistance stretches across the state, HASN expanded to help other small animal rescue organizations throughout Virginia.

The purpose of the fund is to provide support on an as-needed basis for small rescues and shelters throughout the state of Virginia, to aid in the shared goal of a No-Kill VA. Realizing that not all rescues and communities have access to needed resources, the fund will bridge the gap by advocating for and providing grant assistance and resources to underserved and impoverished communities and homeless pets all across Virginia. Small shelters are defined as those with budgets of $300,000 or less.

Program examples include:

• Foster programs aimed at keeping pets out of animal shelters,
• Return to Home programs that assist owners through technology, microchipping, and other resources,
• Shelter Surrender Intervention aimed at assisting pet owners in need or crisis, to prevent them from surrendering their pets to the shelter,
• Foster programs for victims of domestic violence or those facing temporary traumatic instances,
• Assisting pets of the homeless and/or low-income pet owners with medical treatments as part of community outreach. For example, Spay/ Neuter programs, vaccines, behavioral assistance, food, and supplies, etc.,
• Spay/Neuter services,
• Something cool and unique that YOUR community needs! 

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.

The Morris Animal Foundation invites proposals for the Feline Health Fellowship Training Award, aimed at advancing the health and welfare of domesticated cats. This program supports new investigators by providing salary funds in a mentoring environment. Proposals should focus on hypothesis-driven research with high scientific merit, targeting community and pet cats (Felis catus). The maximum award duration is 24 months, with budgets not exceeding $145,000. Join us in making impactful contributions to feline health.

The Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship, established by the Equus Foundation and The Foundation For The Horse, offers a $5,000 scholarship and a $500 travel stipend to support equine research. Open to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing residency or doctoral completion, this fellowship encourages innovative research in horse health care. Applications are accepted from mid-July to August, promoting the advancement of equine veterinary practices and the training of future researchers.

The National Pork Board is dedicated to enhancing pork production through research and education, focusing on the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv). Their Swine Disease Research Task Force identifies critical research gaps and funds proposals that address immunity, diagnostics, and prevention strategies. This initiative fosters collaboration among producers and experts to advance knowledge and improve biosecurity measures, ultimately benefiting the industry and consumers alike.

The Wag Wine Operation supports no-kill adoption groups by providing grants ranging from $250 to $1000. These funds assist organizations in purchasing essential supplies, food, and medical care for adoptable pets. Offered by the Petfinder Foundation, this initiative aims to keep homeless animals healthy and facilitate their transition to loving homes. Grants are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, with the program benefiting over 10,000 adoption groups across North America.

The EA Funds: Animal Welfare Fund Grant aims to enhance the welfare of nonhuman animals globally through strategic grants. It focuses on neglected regions, innovative research, and impactful advocacy, particularly for farmed and wild animals. The fund supports projects that alleviate suffering, promote alternatives to factory farming, and engage in policy advocacy. By contributing to this grant, you can help create a significant positive impact on animal welfare and support initiatives that are often overlooked.

The Downing-Nix Trust Grant provides funding for organizations engaged in research on muscular dystrophy, maintaining treatment wards in Atlanta hospitals, offering veterinary medicine scholarships, and supporting shelters for small animals. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) charities. Applications are accepted year-round, but submissions by April 15 are required for annual meeting reviews. Priority may be given to hospitals and veterinary schools within Atlanta, GA.

The Tipgoomoogus Memorial Trust Grant supports organizations dedicated to the care and comfort of small household pets, including dogs, cats, and birds. Founded by Thomas and Ellen Fallon, the trust primarily funds New Jersey-based charities that qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of April 30 for annual review. The foundation prefers to assist animal shelters and dog pounds, while excluding funding for salaries or animals raised for commercial or research purposes.

The Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant, offered by Petco Love, supports organizations that provide free vaccine services to communities in need. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, government agencies, and invited for-profit companies with a nonprofit purpose related to animal welfare. However, individuals and organizations outside the U.S. or not focused on animal welfare are ineligible for funding. This initiative aims to enhance public health and animal welfare through vaccination efforts.

The ASPCA's Rescue Effect Campaign Grants provide $1.8 million to support animal welfare organizations in the U.S. during a crucial adoption initiative. Eligible non-profits can receive funding based on their intake of adoptable pets and commitment to hold fee-waived adoption days. The program aims to promote responsible pet adoption and community involvement, making a significant impact on animal welfare during the months of August to October.

The Community Care Grant, offered by the Banfield Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations and local/state government agencies in providing affordable veterinary care to owned pets. Since 2015, the foundation has aimed to enhance preventive care through grants and partnerships, helping pets in crisis and underserved communities across the U.S. This initiative ensures that essential veterinary services are accessible to all pet owners, fostering a better world for pets.

The Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers (U18) funding opportunity, led by the FDA, aims to foster collaborations with academic institutions to tackle critical veterinary health challenges. This includes addressing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, promoting genomic advancements in agriculture, and developing veterinary solutions for minor species. Applications are invited to enhance animal health and public safety, with Letters of Intent due prior to the July 2024 deadline.

The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program Grant, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Theriogenology Foundation, invites proposals from accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. to fund residency positions in canine reproductive health. With funding up to $150,000, the program aims to advance training in clinical genetics and prepare candidates for board certification, ultimately enhancing the health of purebred and purpose-bred dogs.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program aims to train veterinary specialists focused on canine athletes and working dogs. This program supports applicants from U.S. training programs accredited by the ACVSMR, promoting initiatives in canine health, fitness, and recovery. The funding of up to $300,000, including indirect costs, encourages innovative research and mentorship to enhance the quality of life for dogs. Applications are invited for three-year resident training programs.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Open Access Publishing Fund Grant supports research that enhances animal welfare. This grant covers article processing fees for open access, peer-reviewed publications up to $5,000. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, residents, and researchers in animal welfare. The fund prioritizes submissions in areas such as cruelty prevention, animal sheltering, and veterinary care access, promoting impactful and innovative research.

The Dog Enrichment Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for dogs awaiting adoption through enrichment activities and items. Grants are available for play yard renovations (up to $3,000) and interactive items (up to $1,000). Applications are accepted monthly until funds are depleted, and the window closes on November 1. Eligible expenses must be utilized within three months, and reimbursement requests will not be accepted.

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.

Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program provides financial support to educators in the US and Canada, enabling them to incorporate small animals into their classrooms. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational and personal development through direct interaction with pets. The program, established by the Pet Care Trust, invites applications from teachers, librarians, and other school staff who support student learning, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners.

The Kia Pet Adoption Grant, funded by the Petfinder Foundation as part of the Accelerate the Good program, supports organizations in the US, Canada, and Mexico with free or reduced-fee adoptions for dogs and cats. Grants are awarded monthly based on the number of adoptable pets listed on Petfinder.com until funds are depleted or November 1st. Grantees are required to report adoptions and share stories of pets adopted through this initiative.

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.

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.