How Animal Shelters and Rescues Can Attract Major Grant Funding

Grants can be transformative for animal shelters and rescues, but securing funding has become increasingly competitive. Many large foundations tend to support the same organizations year after year. While strong grant writing matters, relationships and reputation often play an even bigger role in who receives funding.

If your organization doesn’t yet have connections with major grant makers, that doesn’t mean funding is out of reach. With the right strategy, grants for animal shelters and rescues of any size can are available.

Here are practical ways to catch the attention of major grant funders.

Build Relationships With Grant Makers

Many grant makers prefer to fund organizations they know and trust. These relationships often develop over time through repeated interactions, introductions, or shared work in the community.

Start by looking for ways to formally connect with foundations.

Some grant programs require shelters to become partners or members before applying. Review funders’ websites carefully to identify opportunities to join programs, attend webinars, or participate in initiatives.

You can also introduce your organization by reaching out to staff members with thoughtful questions or expressions of appreciation for their work. Building familiarity now can make a difference later when your application is reviewed.

Focus on Local Funding Opportunities

Some of the most impactful grants come from organizations close to home. Local foundations and businesses often prioritize projects that directly benefit their own communities.

Start by researching:

• Community foundations

• Local nonprofits

• Corporate giving programs

• Civic organizations

• Small family foundations

Your local Chamber of Commerce is often a good starting point. Many chambers maintain lists of nonprofits and may know which businesses offer charitable support.

Local funders may award smaller grants, but these awards can be easier to secure and often lead to long-term partnerships.

Apply Widely and Consistently

Many organizations compete for the same large grants. One of the best strategies is to apply broadly.

Even smaller grants can add up and help demonstrate success to future funders.

Once you develop a strong grant proposal, much of the work is reusable. Your mission statement, program descriptions, statistics, and success stories can be adapted for multiple applications with minimal changes.

Consistency matters. Organizations that apply regularly are more likely to build recognition and eventually secure larger awards.

Community Support Is Your Strongest Funding Source

While grants are valuable, the most reliable funding often comes from your own community.

Local supporters have the greatest stake in your success and are often the most loyal donors. Partnerships with local businesses and organizations can provide not only funding, but also supplies, volunteers, and awareness.

Strong community engagement makes your organization more attractive to grant funders because it demonstrates local support and long-term sustainability.

Introducing the InstaEducate Grant Program

Who Will Let the Dogs Out (WWLDO) is launching a new grant opportunity for partner shelters called InstaEducate, a program designed to teach responsible pet ownership to children.

The program is based on a classroom presentation developed by shelter volunteer Robin Lapre, who began volunteering in 2017 and set out to understand why so many dogs end up in shelters. She identified a common theme: many families simply never learned the basics of responsible pet ownership.

Schools provide a powerful opportunity to reach families across an entire community. Students are receptive learners who often share new knowledge with parents and relatives and eventually become responsible pet owners themselves.

After struggling to find suitable educational materials, Robin created her own. Her first book, Doggie Do’s and Don’ts as Told by Cadence the Dog, was published in 2024 at a second-grade reading level. She has since written additional books, including titles focused on cats and the importance of spay and neuter.

As of December 2025, Robin has presented to more than 9,000 students in Tennessee, from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Her materials now form the foundation of the InstaEducate program.

InstaEducate Grant Requirements and Benefits

To qualify, participating shelters must be able to present the program to at least 250 elementary-age students per year.

Approved partner shelters will receive:

• PDF version of Doggie Do’s and Don’ts as Told by Cadence the Dog

• Three PDF versions of Two Frisky Kittens: How to Count High Real Quick

• A working presentation script for classroom discussions

• Four hardcover books for school libraries:

  • Doggie Do’s and Don’ts as Told by Cadence the Dog

  • Two Frisky Kittens: How to Count High Real Quick

  • I Like Kibble and So Much More!

  • I Lost My Cat! Now What?

Partner shelters interested in the InstaEducate grant can request more information by contacting Patty@wwldo.org.

Quick Tips for Preparing a Strong Grant Application

Before submitting a grant request, keep these essentials in mind:

• Confirm your organization is eligible before applying

• Follow application instructions carefully

• Request an appropriate amount of funding

• Avoid requesting more than 25–30 percent of your annual budget unless guidelines specify otherwise

• Highlight partnerships and collaborations

• Clearly explain how the funding will help animals and the community

Well-prepared applications combined with strong relationships and community support can dramatically improve your chances of receiving grant funding.