The Humane Society of the United States Foreclosure Pets Grant Program

The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to offer grants to animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to help establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist individuals in caring for their pets during this economic downturn. Preference will be given to organizations that have or create a formal Plan of Cooperation with a local community partner such as the American Red Cross, a food bank, or other community service agency.

What is a Plan of Cooperation?

A Plan of Cooperation is a written agreement between your organization and a local community partner to work together to identify people with pets who have been affected by the economic downturn. The Plan of Cooperation should include the purpose for partnership and the mission statement of each agency involved. If your organization is selected to receive a Foreclosure Pets grant and you indicated on the application form that you have entered into a Plan of Cooperation, you will be asked to provide the full plan as a condition of receiving grant funds.

What Kinds of Programs are Eligible?

Any program designed with the primary goal of assisting families or individuals whose main challenge with keeping their pet(s) is a financial one. Examples of programs that would fit this grant program would include:

• Partnering with a local food bank and encouraging community members to donate pet food and supplies. During these difficult times, many families may have difficulty affording pet food and supplies for their pets. Together, you can ensure that donations are distributed to affected families.
• Working with veterinarians in the community to develop vouchers that can be distributed by your organization to people who need assistance with vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, or other veterinary care. Veterinary care may be another expense that affected families find difficult to afford. This would provide affected families with assistance, offer a good public relations opportunity for local veterinarians who may partially discount their services in conjunction with a voucher program, and it prevents pets from being relinquished.
• Creating a special fund to provide needed financial support to the pets of families affected by the economic downturn. Use The HSUS grant as a challenge grant to encourage financial donations from your own community to be used to help cover the costs of food, supplies, spay and neuter surgeries, veterinary care, and other expenses for pets of families in need.
• Working cooperatively with human service agencies to help families keep their pets when they relocate. Programs offered could include financial assistance for pet care and supplies, a listing of pet-friendly rental housing to help people find a home where their pet is welcome, help with pet security deposit funds, and behavior training assistance to help pets adjust to the changes and eliminate any behavioral problems that may result.

Any of the programs listed above would be eligible for funding; we also welcome other creative program ideas.

How Can Organizations Apply?

To be eligible for the grant, your organization must:

• Be a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. (If your proposal is approved, you will be required to provide a copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)3 determination letter or a written statement from your municipality’s legal counsel confirming your agency’s ability to receive grant monies for designated purposes as well as a copy of the IRS form W-9.
• Submit a completed application online at www.animalsheltering.org/foreclosurepets that defines the need within your community for the program you wish to implement and describes how your organization plans to meet those needs.
• If applicable, submit a Plan of Cooperation that includes the purpose for partnership and the mission statement of each agency involved.

Developing such programs can provide a wonderful public relations opportunity for your organization and local community partners, and would be a wonderful way for your community to come together and assist families and their pets during these trying times and in the future.

Please note: The first applicants to receive grants will be notified in late April 2008. Grants already submitted will be kept in the eligible pool and reviewed as funds allow.

We look forward to receiving your application. Additional questions about this grant program can be directed to Kelly Connolly at kconnolly@hsus.org.