2025 Animal Shelter Grant Opportunities
Applying for grants can take time and effort, especially for small or volunteer-run rescues. Fortunately, some foundations offer shorter and more straightforward applications that make it easier to get started.
Below is a list of organizations offering simpler grant opportunities for 2025, along with links and important dates. Before applying, review each foundation’s eligibility requirements, such as 501(c)(3) status, financial documentation, or animal save rate reporting.
2025 Grant Opportunities
ASPCA: The ASPCA will open its 2025 grant categories at various times during the year. Check their website regularly for updates and new deadlines.
Athletes for Animals: Applications are accepted twice each year, with deadlines on March 15 and September 15. Download the grant application form.
Banfield Foundation: Banfield Foundation offers several grant programs with quarterly application periods. Community Care Grants are open in January, April, July, and October. Veterinary Medical Equipment Grants are open in February, May, August, and November. Visit the Banfield Foundation grants page.
Frankie’s Friends Charitable Trust Foundation: The Vet Care for Rescues Grant Program helps fund medical care for specific animals in need. Approved rescues and shelters can apply throughout the year. Apply through Frankie’s Friends Charitable Trust Foundation.
Giving with Grace Foundation: This foundation focuses on animal welfare and supporting women in need in North Carolina. The 2024 deadline has passed, so check back later this year for updates on the 2025 grant cycle.
Grey Muzzle Organization: Since 2008, Grey Muzzle has awarded more than $4.6 million to programs that help senior dogs. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000 and are open to shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries that care for senior dogs. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, agree to a possible on-site visit, and apply for programs with clear goals and measurable outcomes. The 2025 application cycle is open through March 17, 2025. Join the Grey Muzzle mailing list to stay informed about upcoming grant opportunities.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Foundation: Healthy Paws accepts applications throughout the year for programs that help animals in need. Submit an application here.
Hugs and Kisses Animal Fund: This foundation supports volunteer-only organizations with no paid staff. Applications are accepted year-round. Apply on their website.
Jason Debus Heigl Foundation: The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation funds projects that improve animal welfare through rescue, adoption, and education. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Apply here.
Little Guy Grants: Little Guy Grants provide small but meaningful funding to grassroots rescues. Applications are open year-round. Apply here.
Lowe’s Hometowns: Through Lowe’s Hometowns, the company is investing $100 million in community projects across the country through 2026. Each year, Lowe’s selects 100 large-scale projects and nearly 1,700 smaller community projects that involve local nonprofits, volunteers, and Lowe’s store associates. Past projects have included improvements at animal shelters. The 2025 nomination window is now closed, but organizations can check back next year for future opportunities.
Onyx and Breezy Foundation: The Onyx and Breezy Foundation accepts grant applications throughout the year and supports a range of rescue efforts and medical needs. Apply here. | Read their FAQs.
Pedigree Foundation: The 2025 Pedigree Foundation Grants Program opens February 28 and closes April 13 at midnight CT. The foundation will focus on programs that increase dog adoptions, including foster programs that prepare dogs for adoption, transport programs that move dogs from overcrowded shelters to regions with better adoption opportunities, and behavior programs that address training and socialization needs. Read the application guidelines.
There are two main grant types:
DOGS RULE. Grant ($100,000 over two years) for innovative initiatives.
Program Development Grants ($10,000 to $15,000) for expanding or improving adoption programs.
Stand Up for Pits Foundation: The Angel Grants Program provides funding for rescues, shelters, and organizations supporting dogs in need of medical care, enrichment, or shelter improvements. These grants also help survivors of dogfighting and the organizations that rehabilitate them. Visit the Stand Up for Pits Foundation website for current opportunities.
Walmart Community Grants: Walmart awards Spark Good Local Grants on a quarterly basis. Organizations must have a verified Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits. Only verified and authorized users can apply.
The 2025 review cycles are:
March 3 – April 15
May 1 – July 15
August 1 – October 15
November 3 – December 31
The 100 Who Care Alliance: The 100 Who Care Alliance is a network of local giving circles across the United States. Chapters include 100 Women Who Care, 100 Men Who Care, 100 People Who Care, and 100 Kids/Teens Who Care. Each adult member donates $100 per quarter, and each chapter awards roughly $10,000 annually to local nonprofits. Youth chapters give grants up to $6,000 per year. Each chapter has its own application process, so rescues should locate and contact their local group for details.
Final Thoughts
Grants can open doors for animal rescues that need help expanding programs, funding veterinary care, or improving shelter spaces. Take time to review eligibility requirements, mark important deadlines, and apply early.
For help preparing your applications or identifying the right opportunities, contact Nicole Sandler, Grants Advisor for Who Will Let the Dogs Out, at nicole@wwldo.org.
Together, we can give more dogs the second chances they deserve.
