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Finding Funding for Fixing Feral Felines
Introduction

The Spay/NeuterTrust Fund

SPCA Petitions County

The Ballot Initiative

Coalition of Organizations Petitions County

Nonprofit organization initiates volunteer-run city s/n fund
Ten years ago, we heard next to nothing about feral cats. Thanks to intensive work - particularly by Alley Cat Allies - these cats began to be recognized! By the mid- 1990's, small groups all over the country were scrambling to garner funds in order to spay/neuter (s/n) whole colonies of feral cats.

The only way to obtain these funds seemed to be a mix of garage (tag) sales, bake sales, collection cans, raffles and spaghetti suppers. While this type of fundraising launched a very positive movement to correct an enormous (and growing) problem, we feel that the private efforts need the additional boost of public funding. And in some places around the country, that public funding is beginning to materialize.

It is important to note that many of these programs are not only for feral cats; many cover dogs as well. However, most dogs are either in homes or in shelters. The feral cats present a unique niche in the animal world, and institutions are still struggling to find an acceptable way to deal with them.

We have chosen a sampling of programs from various parts of the country that demonstrate that public funding can be found and used to solve the problem of growing numbers of ferals. Those petitioning for funding vary (individual, humane society, coalition of groups, legislator) as do the funding sources (Public Health, Animal Control, Community Development, General Fund)

We can offer a few general guidelines:
  • Have a working committee: Recruit people with skills recognized by mainstream officials (lawyer, bookkeeper, grant-writer, marketing or p.r. expert)
  • Have an Action Plan: Present a well-thought out plan. You can steal ideas from other communities - no need to re-invent the wheel!
  • Be Flexible: just because you have a plan, you need not be rigid. Often people will “buy into” (accept) a plan better if they have had input.
  • Plan to Keep Good Records: Alley Cat Allies and the Feral Cat Coalition have great model tracking sheets and systems
  • Do Your Homework: Who makes the decisions? What are the deadlines? How does your city/county work? Do they spend money on animals now? What are the laws?
  • Get Local Numbers: How many rabies complaints? Dog bites? Euthanasias? Turn negative elements into points for your side…
  • Obtain nonprofit Status: This can take several months, but many foundations and municipalities require it for consideration for grants


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Next: The Spay/NeuterTrust Fund

Articles:
Writing A Grant Do's and Dont's
Successful Grant Applications (a PDF of a PowerPoint presentation)

Granting Foundations:
DJ & T Foundation
PETCO Foundation
PETsMART Charities Foundation

Fundraising Initiatives:
Putting the Fun Back in Fundraising
Finding Funding to Fix Feral Felines
iGive.com

Government Grants or Appropriations:
Block Grants

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