Breed Rescue Grant

The AKC Humane Fund’s Breed Rescue Grant program provides targeted financial support to not-for-profit organizations involved in canine rescue efforts, specifically those focused on breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The program is aligned with the broader mission of the AKC Humane Fund to support pet welfare, health, and rehabilitation initiatives. Grants are intended to offset significant rescue-related expenses such as veterinary care, spay/neuter procedures, essential supplies, and operational costs necessary to support breed-specific rescue services. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs engaged in rescue activities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that conduct breed rescue and are endorsed in writing by an AKC Parent Club. All applicants must rescue or rehabilitate only those dog breeds listed in the current AKC Complete Breed List, which is publicly available on the organization’s website. A grant application submitted by a Parent Club must be accompanied by a cover letter on official Parent Club letterhead, while 501(c)(3) organizations must include a formal recommendation letter from a Parent Club. Funding from this program is restricted to specific projects or essential operational costs directly tied to the rescue mission. Grant funds may not be used for capital improvements or fundraising efforts. Additionally, organizations that have already received two AKC Humane Fund Rescue Grants within the past five calendar years are not eligible to reapply until outside that period. The application package must include a completed and signed application form, recent financial statements, organizational budgets for the previous and current fiscal years, a list of major annual funding sources, and the IRS determination letter confirming tax-exempt status, if applicable. Applications are accepted via a downloadable form or through paper submission. Successful applicants must adhere to a post-award reporting process as directed by the AKC Humane Fund. For further information or application assistance, prospective applicants may contact the organization via phone at 212-696-8200 or email at akchumanefund@akc.org.