Best Friends Network Partner Grants

Geographic Scope: United States (all 50 states, excluding U.S. Territories)

Focus Areas:

• Adoption programs
• Spay/neuter programs
• Return-to-home programs
• Effective and innovative lifesaving programs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Best Friends Network Partner (membership is free)
• Organization must be a 501(c)(3) public charity or municipal shelter
• Must be actively working toward no-kill by operating or supporting:
  • Active dog and/or cat adoption program
  • Transport program
  • Spay/neuter program
  • Intake prevention program
• Must be in compliance with all local laws and regulations governing animal sheltering
• Must provide appropriate daily care to all animals (sanitary conditions, food, water, enrichment, shelter)
• Must be in good standing with GuideStar Charity Check
• Must be willing to establish positive working relationship with Best Friends
• Must submit required data reporting

What They Fund:

• Effective and innovative lifesaving programs
• Adoption initiatives
• Spay/neuter operations
• Return-to-home programs

Geographic Limitations:

• United States only (excluding U.S. Territories)

Additional Benefits for Partners:

• Exclusive access to grant opportunities
• Access to specialized digital tools, research, tech solutions, and resources
• Dedicated regional team support
• Discounted registration rates for annual Best Friends National Conference
• Partner-only networking and appreciation events
• Listing on Best Friends website
• Access to job board for hiring
• Monthly data reporting access through Shelter Pet Data Alliance (if eligible)

Application Timeline: Applications typically reviewed within five business days after submission

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm your organization meets all eligibility requirements (501(c)(3) status, serving dogs/cats, actively working toward no-kill, compliant with local laws, in good standing with GuideStar Charity Check)

Step 2: Apply to Best Friends Network

• Network membership is free
• Complete the application process to become a Network Partner
• Applications are typically reviewed within five business days

Step 3: Maintain Partnership Requirements

• Submit required annual statistics to Best Friends
• For grant eligibility: maintain monthly intake and outcome data through Shelter Pet Data Alliance (if eligible)
• Monthly data reporting is required to be considered for financial aid or grants

Step 4: Access Grant Opportunities

• Once approved as a Network Partner, you will receive email with website links and information about available grants
• Exclusive grant opportunities become available to network partners

Required Materials:

• Organization information
• Proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or municipal shelter designation
• Data reporting capability
• Commitment to reporting annual statistics

Note: Network partner applicants' operations are not vetted during application. Approval as a Best Friends Network Partner is not an endorsement from Best Friends Animal Society. However, Best Friends requires all partners remain in compliance with local ordinances and animal care requirements.