Virginia Animal Welfare Grants

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Northeast and East Coast regions of the U.S. for projects focused on environmental sustainability, education, and cultural initiatives that enhance community well-being, particularly those related to bird habitats and open space preservation.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham (TCFHR) provides a streamlined process through which eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for inclusion in the Giving Back Guide and be considered for several restricted Community Grants. This centralized application portal opens annually on July 1 and remains available through September 1. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations holding 501(c)(3) status that are physically located in and serve Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Notably, schools and churches are not eligible to apply under this opportunity. The application process begins with an eligibility quiz to determine which grants the applicant may be considered for. Based on the outcome, the organization is either directed to complete a Community Grant application or provide information for the Giving Back Guide. Organizations that qualify for restricted Community Grants need only submit a single application, which serves both as a grant application and a submission for the Giving Back Guide. These grants are distributed from various donor-advised and endowment funds and are designated for specific programmatic areas such as the arts, food pantries, healthcare, animal welfare, and mental health services for children. Some restricted grants include significant funding levels, such as the Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts, which provides over $60,000 annually, and the Alvin J. Baird Jr. Program Endowment Fund, with over $44,000 available each year. Meanwhile, smaller funds like the Sean Warner Memorial Endowment Fund provide approximately $500 biennially for targeted emotional support programs. The Giving Back Guide itself is a separate, strategic initiative by TCFHR to elevate the visibility of local nonprofits. All qualifying organizations are profiled in this annual publication, which features one-page summaries of each organization’s mission, accomplishments, and funding needs. This resource is widely distributed to the public, media, and donor networks in both print and digital formats beginning in mid-November. TCFHR uses the Guide throughout the year to facilitate donor conversations and encourage giving. In addition to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area, the Little Swiss Fund supports nonprofit organizations based in Highland County, Virginia. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities located in and serving Highland County, demonstrate broad volunteer support, and have annual revenues exceeding $25,000. This fund distributes over $500,000 annually and supports multiple recipients. The application is accessible online and includes both an eligibility quiz and guided questions for either the Giving Back Guide or relevant grant applications. Application types include project-specific funding, general programming support, capital expenditures, and unrestricted funding for needs such as equipment and materials. TCFHR emphasizes that each applicant will be guided into the appropriate application path based on their eligibility and programmatic alignment with available grants. Applicants and interested parties can contact TCFHR for more information. General inquiries can be directed to their main office by phone at 540-432-3863. The organization is located at 317 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, and mail can be sent to P.O. Box 1068, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund (ULARF) is offering grants for its 2024 cycle, continuing the legacy of Ursula Landsrath, a dedicated animal welfare advocate. Founded in 2019 as a tribute to Ursula, ULARF builds upon her previous work with the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia, which distributed over $1 million in grants. The fund's mission is deeply aligned with its founder's lifelong commitment to animal welfare, supporting nonprofit organizations that serve or rescue animals within Virginia. This grant program is a direct reflection of Ursula Landsrath's strategic priority to protect and care for animals, ensuring her advocacy continues to have a tangible impact. ULARF targets nonprofit animal welfare organizations that are incorporated and operational in Virginia, serving or rescuing animals in the Commonwealth. These beneficiaries include organizations working with farm, domestic, and wild animals. The overall impact goal is to improve animal welfare in Virginia through various initiatives, ranging from direct care to preventative measures and public education. By supporting these organizations, ULARF aims to create a more humane environment for animals across the state, fostering better health, safety, and reduced suffering. The grant program has clear funding priorities and focuses. These include spay/neuter and Trap Neuter Return programs for feral cats, emergency medical funds for various animal types, costs for emergency repairs to organization facilities, and expenses for public outreach and education programs. Additionally, ULARF prioritizes Virginia-based regional animal assistance organizations that provide support to smaller, local rescue groups. These priorities align with a theory of change that by addressing critical needs like population control, emergency care, infrastructure, and public awareness, a significant positive impact on animal welfare can be achieved. Grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $3,000 per organization, with an overall size of the grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the expected outcomes include increased spay/neuter rates, improved access to emergency medical care for animals, enhanced operational capacity of rescue facilities, and broader public understanding of animal welfare issues. The foundation's strategic priority is to fund direct services and support infrastructure that directly benefit animals, rather than administrative or fundraising costs, ensuring that the grants lead to direct and measurable improvements in animal well-being.

This program provides financial support to veterinarians in Virginia to establish or expand their practices focused on large animals, addressing a critical shortage of veterinary services for livestock, poultry, and equines.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Hampton Roads, Virginia, that focus on improving animal welfare and addressing related community needs.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in South Hampton Roads to promote horticultural education initiatives, particularly those involving local botanical gardens and zoos.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, focusing on assisting the visually impaired and delivering medical care to low-income individuals.