How to Find Grants for Animal Welfare Organizations

Animal welfare organizations often rely heavily on donations, which can put the organizations in perilous financial positions. The key to maintaining a successful organization lies in supplementing funding with external grants. Follow these steps to find grants for your animal welfare organization.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Financial data
• Program data

Instructions

1. Apply for 501(c)3 status. Few foundations will award grants to organizations that are not designated as charities by the IRS.

2. Develop a fundable program idea. Only a handful of foundations give funding for general operating support. Most will only fund program-specific expenses.

3. Conduct a basic online search for "animal welfare grants." Several websites maintain listings of grants available to animal welfare organizations. One of the most extensive listings is the Grants Information Collection below (See References 3).

4. Subscribe to The Foundation Center. Most private foundations that fund animal welfare programs are not listed on public websites. Become a member of The Foundation Center, and gain access to hundreds of private foundations that accept grants for animal welfare programs.

Tips & Warnings

• Writing a successful proposal takes time and careful research. Be sure to learn how to write a winning grant application before you begin.

References

• Tax Information for Charitable Organizations
• Foundation Center
• Grants Information Collection