Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter Grant Program

Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter Grant Program

Funder: Florida Animal Friend Inc (FL, US)

Website: floridaanimalfriend.org

Overview:
Florida Animal Friend awards grants annually to municipal and nonprofit agencies across Florida that provide free or low-cost spay/neuter services to reduce pet overpopulation and save animals from homelessness.

Funding Focus Areas

Grants are typically awarded to programs that increase cat and dog sterilization rates above the existing baseline in these categories:
• Programs for pets in low-income families
• Programs for pit bull/large breed dog sterilization
• Programs for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) of free-roaming cat sterilization
• Programs providing spay/neuter services where none currently exist

What Will NOT Be Funded

• Capital expenses
• Procedures not directly related to sterilization surgery (promotions, testing, transportation, licensing)
• Neuter-before-adoption projects (most shelters already comply with Florida law requiring sterilization)
• Programs that replace existing program funding
• Surgeries likely to be performed whether or not FAF funding was available
• Programs inconsistent with local ordinances

Exception: Up to $2 per animal spayed/neutered may be used for rabies vaccinations

Geographic Scope

Florida state-wide (all municipalities and counties)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be:
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and IRS pre-determination or decision letter, registered with Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Services, OR
• City, county, or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control
• Groups that have not received FAF grant funds in the previous year (grants awarded no more frequently than every other year)
• NOT currently represented by board members or grants committee members of Florida Animal Friend during their term of service

Fiscal Sponsors: Organizations not meeting eligibility requirements may use a fiscal sponsor that meets requirements (both must complete cover letter explaining relationship and division of responsibilities; sponsor assumes ultimate responsibility)

Special Considerations for Feral Cat Programs

For TNR projects, proposals must include:
• Responsible TNR management: Definition of precise geographic area, estimated colony size, projected reduction/elimination timeline
• Stability of management: Ability to maintain lifelong care of remaining ferals, volunteer commitment level
• Community collaboration: Public education/outreach, adoption programs, support from other groups/agencies
• Consideration of wildlife impacts: Steps to lessen negative impact on local wildlife

Award Details

• Maximum per grant: $25,000
• Funding availability: Determined by Florida Animal Friend license plate sales and renewals
• Project timeline: All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding
• Unexpended funds: Must be refunded within 15 days of project end
• Extensions: Discouraged and rarely granted; if requested, must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before project end; typically limited to 30-60 days

Award Process

1. Applications scored by 4-member grant review committee on: - Targeting of important animal populations - Ability to increase surgery numbers above baseline - Cost-to-benefit ratio - Applicant track record - Sustainability 2. Findings reviewed by FAF Board of Directors 3. Funding priority list established based on scores and comments 4. Awards granted from highest-ranked proposal down until funds exhausted 5. Winners announced; funding contracts signed; checks mailed in late summer

Contact Information

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 813-778-0089