GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP COLORADO’S ANIMALS: ACT NOW!

Byline: Shannon Gleason, News Writer, Best Friends Network

Many of us donate our time and money to various animal charities. Frequently, we learn that the organizations which we so admire operate on minimal budgets and are dependent on the tireless efforts of volunteers. Though well-intentioned, it can seem that our financial support just doesn’t reach far enough. While contributions are essential, funding from grants may provide additional financial resources to increase the number of animals served and/or to enhance the quality and quantity of programs that dedicated groups can offer.

EXTENSIVE FUNDS AVAILABLE; LETTERS OF INQUIRY AN URGENT “MUST”
For over thirty years, The Animal Assistance Foundation has provided significant financial means to enhance the well-being of animals in Colorado. Clinics have been built to reduce pet overpopulation, offering low cost spay and neuter programs. Veterinary assistance and reduced medical costs have been made available to help pets whose owners are disabled or have limited finances. Institutions, such as Colorado State University, have received generous donations to further the research of veterinary medicine. The Foundation’s large pool of grant funds have positively impacted numerous shelters, networks and animal welfare agencies in Colorado. In light of the upcoming grant deadline, it’s critical that we encourage all associations that care for our state’s animals to consider making an application to this well-endowed foundation.

The deadline for fall grants is September 26, 2008. However, prior to submitting a grant proposal, potential applicants must e- mail or send a letter of inquiry to The Foundation for initial review. This requirement is a matter of urgency so that inquiries can be evaluated, providing those chosen with adequate time to fulfill the time-intensive requirements of the application process. The exact amount of resources available has not been disclosed, but is reported to be in the range of $700,000.

GRANT GUIDELINES AND PRIORITIES
An initial qualification requires that all candidates are a 501(c)(3) corporation or a government entity. Referencing info@aaf-fd.org can provide important insights regarding The Foundation’s philosophy and values, which are helpful to understand and incorporate, when possible, in inquiry letters. For example, The Foundation’s mission is highlighted by its regard for the Human-Animal Bond, acknowledging the importance of mutually beneficial relationships in which the health and welfare of both humans AND animals are provided for equitably. Therefore, proposals that support and adhere to the use of principled standards and ethics as they pertain to animals in Animal Assisted Therapy may receive consideration, together with proposals that reflect The Foundation’s priorities, goals and areas of general interest, as detailed on the website. One programs of relatively new interest to The Foundation focuses on resolving the crisis of unwanted horses in Colorado. Another area of concentration involves promoting an understanding of the relationship between human violence and similar acts of cruelty toward animals, exploring ways this “link” can be treated and prevented. Of possible interest to applicants is the website’s listing of past grant recipients and the disbursement of funds to each.

In a discussion with one of the program’s officers, other aspects were named which could be favorable additions to inquiries:
1) Inclusion of methods an organization employs to document outcomes of its program(s) per collection of numerical data;
2) Demonstration of collaboration with other shelters or welfare agencies;
3) Description of efforts toward mitigating overpopulation;
4) Participation in community education endeavors.

“Global” grants are not awarded to organizations; in other words, all applicants must describe a specific program within their association for which they are seeking financial assistance. While the duration of most grants is one year, applicants are allowed to submit their program for a second year’s consideration. Grant proposals accepted in September undergo extensive review; those chosen will be awarded monies in December, 2008. Inquiries are then again accepted for the next series of spring grants. The deadline for these applications is March 27, 2009; funds will be allocated in May, 2009.

For candidates selected to apply, Animal Assistance Foundation accepts the use of the Colorado Common Grant Application, available online and in most public libraries. Additional documentation and requirements, specific to The Foundation’s criteria, will be outlined for those chosen to apply. Final submissions must include the original application form as well as seven copies. Further assistance, beyond the website, can be obtained by calling The Animal Assistance Foundation at (303) 744-8369.

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS TIME-SENSITIVE OPPORTUNITY
Please! Contact agencies that provide for the needs of Colorado’s animals to discuss this time-sensitive opportunity. These dedicated groups bear countless demands on their time as they execute the daily tasks of animal care. Researching and responding to grants can be a complex, time-consuming process. Excess time is not a luxury afforded to those who work in animal welfare. We can help by passing this information on to the many deserving groups in Colorado. Again, letters of inquiry should be completed as soon as possible and can either be E-mailed to Animal Assistance Foundation or sent to them at 1805 South Bellaire Street, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado, 80222.

Those who love animals have generous hearts, filled with compassion. Yet, the facts of our daily lives, which include financial responsibilities and obligations, may impose limits to the amounts of our donations. Relaying information about this grant opportunity costs nothing and has the potential to directly benefit many animals and those who care and advocate for them. Life’s pace is hectic, and everyone’s time is valuable. Consider the prospect of saving or improving the lives of animals, just by sparing a few moments to discuss the availability of these funds with your favored welfare agencies. For organizations unable to respond at this time, awareness of The Foundation may encourage future applications. Spread the word among family, friends and coworkers; they may be unfamiliar with this endowment, its extensive resources and the ongoing cycle of grants it offered. Encourage them to contact additional applicants. Your time and communications can provide precious gifts to needy animals. Won’t you help today?

Photo courtesy of Freedom Service Dogs, Inc., a grant recipient of Colorado’s Animal Assistance Foundation