Grants for Cat Rescue Organization
Cat rescue organizations are devoted to getting cats off the streets and out of unsanitary or otherwise unsuitable homes. These organizations provide cats with food, shelter and veterinary care, including spaying and neutering, with the ultimate goal being to find permanent and loving homes for the animals. There are several grants available for starting cat rescue organizations, some of which are offered by PETCO, the American Humane Association, Oxbow Animal Helath, Petfinder.com, and Build-A-Bear.
PETCO
The well-known pet purchase, pet supply, and pet training retail chain PETCO offers a number of grants aimed at helping the pet population. According to petco.com, these include the Capital Grant, and the 4 Rs Project Support Grant. Cat rescue organizations that receive the Capital Grant will receive funding that can go towards repairing or purchasing vehicles and equipment, as well as repairing or constructing buildings. The 4 Rs Project Support provides funding for projects that support the 4 Rs: reduce, rescue, rehabilitate, and rejoice). Cat rescue organizations could potentially use the funds for covering veterinary service costs and hosting charity/awareness events, for example.
Oxbow
Oxbow Animal Health is a pet supply company that specializes in manufacturing pet food and bedding. Through its Oxbow Cares program, the company provides discounts on pet foods for rescue organizations, and-since 2001-has awarded the Oxbow Rescue Grant, which, according to oxbowanimalhealth.com, provides rescue organizations with funding for educational programs, building renovations, food, and veterinary services.
American Humane Association
Established in 1877, the American Humane Association is a national, nonprofit organization devoted to protecting both animals and children. Through its Foreclosure Pet Grants, American Humane provides funds to shelters and rescue organizations, which must be used to cover costs associated with caring for pets that have been displaced due to foreclosure on their owners' homes. According to americanhumane.org, foreclosures have displaced a significant number of pets and have caused an increase in strays and shelter populations. The maximum amount of grant money an organization can receive is $2,000.
Build-A-Bear
The custom teddy bear chain Build-A-Bear awards grant money to pet welfare, education, rehabilitation, and rescue centers, through its Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation: Bearemy's Kennel Pals. According to buildabear.com, the funding provided can range from $1,000 to $10,000; however, on average, the amount is around $1,500. In order to be eligible, your cat rescue organization must be a nonprofit and tax-exempt in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. According to the above source, geography plays a part in determining which organizations are awarded grants, so it pays off to be located near a Build-A-Bear workshop.
Tags: rescue organizations, American Humane, American Humane Association, Humane Association, Capital Grant