First Steps Grants

Overview

_NOTE: The First Steps Grant Application is accessible here, and will continue to be accessible until the grant window is closed at the discretion of the Foundation._

Our Grant Program Philosophy

Although there are many organizations nationwide that are involved in various aspects of animal and habitat protection, most are focused on “big picture” issues. Yet frequently the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow. At The Binky Foundation we recognize that the resources for starting an initiative are often the hardest to obtain. Thus, our grant program is focused on assisting young organizations seeking to take those initial steps that are critical to achieving a significant benefit or advancement toward protecting animals and their habitats. As one of the few funding organizations that considers grants to new animal welfare organizations, The Binky Foundation seeks to encourage new groups, in addition to having a passion for helping animals, to understand the hard truth that running a successful animal welfare group is also a business requiring skill sets and planning.

First Steps Grants

The purpose of our “First Steps” Grant Program is to provide initial financial support to new organizations that recognize the importance of business training and planning as well as passion for the animals to create a successful, long-term operation. Grants awarded under our “First Steps” Grant Program may be used by the grantee organization for any purpose in support of the organizations mission without restriction.

“Forward Steps” Grants

The Foundation will also consider awarding follow-up grants at the Foundation’s discretion to prior First Steps grant recipients that have demonstrated the value and efficacy of its business plan, and success in striving for a sustainable model. These follow-up or “Forward Steps” grants are by invitation only, and can be used to meet a specific need or needs of the organization or for unexpected or unusual operating costs. First Steps grantees that received their grants more than 12-months ago may be invited to apply for a follow-up Forward Steps grant.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

Under its “First Steps” Grant Program, The Binky Foundation will be awarding $1000 "First Steps" Grants to organizations meeting all three of the following criteria:

* The organization has applied for or obtained status as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization within the last 3 years.
* One or more principals of the organization (i.e., founder, officer, director, manager or key personnel) has, within three-years of submitting its application, successfully completed a recognized workshop or training program, or a series of in-person or online seminars, that combines the business aspects of running a non-profit entity with specialty training in operating an animal welfare organization.
* The organization has established a formal Business Plan, including projected budget considerations, that shows how the organization plans to achieve sustainability and support within its community.  A purposeful Business or Action Plan requires more than a brief narrative about an organization’s purpose and its fund raising intentions. It requires at a minimum a thoughtful and detailed look at an organization’s mission, the need it is addressing within the community, and how that need will be achieved, both operationally and financially.

The workshop or training criteria can be met by:

* Attending and completing workshops or educational programs (in person or online) conducted by recognized organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society, the ASPCA, the AAWA, or educational institutions that include a combination of business, financial and animal welfare in its courses
* Semonstrating a combination of training and experience on the business, financial and animal welfare aspects of operating an animal welfare organization, to the satisfaction of the Foundation

Ineligibility

* The Binky Foundation does not provide direct payment for food or medical support for animals, or short-term support for an organization’s general budget for these services.
* Please note that The Binky Foundation is not designed for and does not have the resources to fund individual pet care, including direct reimbursement to veterinarians, or for housing or the purchase of food. We urge individuals seeking such help contact local shelters or other local charitable organizations that may provide such assistance.