Domestic Violence Shelter Grants

The AKC Humane Fund Domestic Violence Shelter Grants provide financial assistance to domestic abuse shelters that accept pets. The funder describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of animals and responsible pet ownership. Through this program, the AKC Humane Fund supports shelters that help domestic violence survivors remain connected with their pets while seeking safety. The purpose of the grant is to make it easier for domestic violence shelters to welcome pets and help break the cycle of domestic abuse. The program is focused on organizations that provide temporary or permanent housing either for victims of domestic abuse and their pets together, or for pets of victims of domestic abuse through a formal relationship with a domestic abuse shelter. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations. Preferred applicants are organizations that provide temporary or permanent housing for victims of domestic abuse and their pets. Pet shelter applicants may also qualify if they provide temporary or permanent housing for pets of victims of domestic abuse and have a formal, established working relationship with at least one not-for-profit domestic abuse shelter. Applicants representing a pet shelter must include a referral letter from at least one domestic abuse shelter that the applicant assists. The letter must be on the domestic abuse shelter's letterhead, signed by the Executive Director of the domestic abuse shelter, and must detail the relationship between the organizations. Grant funds are awarded for essential operational support related to housing pets or for capital improvements specifically for the housing and maintenance of pets. The source states that AKC Humane Fund Rescue Grants may not be used for fundraising purposes. No award amount, total program funding amount, number of awards, match requirement, application deadline, or performance period is provided in the source text. Submitted applications must include a completed grant application form, with additional sheets attached as needed to answer questions. The original form is required and must be signed and dated. Applications must also include financial information about the organization, including the most recent financial statements, preferably audited; total current budget for the last completed fiscal year and the current fiscal year; and a list detailing the principal sources of ongoing annual support. Applicants must also include a copy of the IRS determination letter confirming Section 501(c)(3) status, if applicable. Awarded applicants must comply with the reporting process indicated by the AKC Humane Fund.

Emphasize how the organization helps pet owners at the facility; clearly connect requested support to pet housing or pet maintenance; category B pet shelter applicants should provide a detailed signed referral letter documenting the formal relationship with a domestic abuse shelter; do not request funds for fundraising purposes