Review the grant application before applying online here.

Animal Welfare

Quick Overview

2024 Cycle Stats
Max award: $15,000
Interest Areas: Animal Related (cats and dogs)
Geographic Area: Statewide
Types of Funding: Three-year general grant support
Application opens: July 15
Deadline: Sept. 15, 11:59 p.m.
Notification: By Dec. 15
Staff contact: John Ochira
Apply: Click on the orange “Apply” button at the top right of this page.
Applications received: 44
Amount requested: $579,391
Number of grants awarded: 37
Grant dollars awarded: $492,090
Average award: $13,300
Percentage of applicants that received grants: 84 percent
Additional grants by donors: None
Recent grants: Click here to view the last three years of grants.

Purpose

The Animal Welfare grant program supports organizations dedicated to advancing animal welfare for small companion animals in Maine, primarily cats and dogs.

Criteria

All applicants must meet the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility requirements and non-discrimination policy. Please read our eligibility and grant guidelines and non-discrimination policy before submitting an application.

Your organization must:

  • Be located in Maine, defined as your organization has a Maine address
  • Have an organizational mission or purpose focused on one or more of the following areas:
    • Population control, surrender prevention, and humane education work
    • Spay/neuter
    • Veterinary care services
    • Pet care related transportation services

Type of Funding

Three-year general support grants for flexible funding of any type such as new/expanding/ongoing programs and operational needs including capital expenses. Your organization’s primary work must meet the Animal Welfare criteria listed above.

The maximum award amount is $15,000 per year. Multi-year grantees will be selected every three years. This grant program will accept applications in 2025 and again in 2028.

Please reach out to John Ochira at jochira@mainecf.org with any questions or if you are unsure if your organization is eligible to apply.

*NOTE: Answers to general support application questions should focus on your organization’s work (not a specific project) and how your organization meets the grant program criteria because general support awarded to an organization is for any purpose, not restricted to a specific project.

Additional Information

Background

The Animal Welfare Fund was established in 2007 by an anonymous donor. The fund is further supported by the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., and the George F. Lyman and Ernestine Lyman Trust.