Since the application window for PEDIGREE Foundation 2020 grants opened on March 4, a lot has changed. Shelters and rescues are working through the many challenges related to COVID-19.
They’ve moved to reduced hours and stopped onsite volunteers. Innovated to enable adoptions with social distancing. Rapidly scaled up fostering to get dogs into homes. But many homeless dogs remain, and fears are mounting about people relinquishing pets in the months ahead.
We’ve heard from many of our smaller shelters and rescues that grants given in December may be too late to help. They need support now to get through this tough time and make sure they can continue to help as many dogs as possible.
New Grants for 2020
To help meet this need, as part of the $20 million committed by Mars, Incorporated, its businesses and related foundations to support the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, PEDIGREE Foundation is shifting its planned 2020 grants. The Foundation’s 2020 Operation Grants funds are being transferred to Disaster Relief Grants for COVID-19 Support, providing $175,000 in grants for shelters and rescues.
These new grants will be awarded starting in April, under the following guidelines:
- Grants are available up to $2,500 with unrestricted use.
- Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis, with checks going out immediately.
- Grants will be awarded to qualified shelters/rescues on a first come, first served basis until funding is exhausted.
- Priority will be given to shelters/rescues with annual revenue below $200,000.
- Funds are coming from planned 2020 Operation Grants funding. As a result, we will not be awarding Operation Grants in December.
- Program Development and DOGS RULE.™ grants are not changing and will still be awarded in December 2020.
Shelters and rescues that want to apply can do so immediately at this link.
COVID-19 Resources
In times of crisis, shelter and rescue teams work harder than ever. We’re so glad we can get funding out immediately and support the very valuable work they do.
For further assistance, we encourage shelter and rescue teams to review the American Pets Alive! COVID-19 Animal Shelter Preparedness Guide, which offers very helpful guidance on topics from shelter operations, to emergency foster protocols, to communications.
The American Medical Veterinary Association also has a continuously updated page with information for veterinarians and pet owners.
Finally, on the PEDIGREE Foundation website, we have more detailed information about our 2020 grants, including a link to watch our webinar about successful applications and our blog post with grant-writing tips.
Thank you to all who are working so tirelessly to help dogs and dog owners.
Adopt. Foster. Donate.
To anyone who has room in their home, just a reminder: There’s never been a more important time to adopt, foster or donate. So many dogs need homes, and they’re a wonderful companion and comfort during stressful times.
Contact your local shelter to learn about adoption and fostering opportunities. Click here to donate and help us give more shelter and rescue grants in 2020.
