Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter Grant Program

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

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

Grant Application Process

Application Period: January 1 to April 1 (applications accepted only during this window)

Deadline: April 1 at 8:00 PM (submit electronically; website closes at 8 PM; no changes permitted after)

Submission Format: All applications must be submitted electronically through secure website; no paper copies accepted

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility
   • Complete eligibility quiz on website to confirm your organization qualifies
   • Verify you meet all eligibility requirements
2. Gather Required Documents
   • Compile all required attachments before starting application
   • Allow sufficient time before April 1 deadline
   • PDF format preferred for all uploaded files
3. Complete Application Form
   • Submit application body via online form
   • Option: Compose application using printable worksheet, then paste into online form
   • Application Worksheet available for download on website
4. Submit Application
   • Complete all required sections
   • Upload all required attachments
   • Submit electronically by 8:00 PM on April 1
   • No changes can be made after submission deadline

Required Documents

For Nonprofit Organizations:

• Collaboration letter from lead veterinarian
• Letter of support from director
• Current fiscal year agency budget
• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
• FL DACS Solicitation of Contributions Certificate (sample available on website)
• Most recent IRS 990, 990 EZ, or 990N filing (first page(s) only showing year of return, date filed, and signature)
  • If not for recently-completed fiscal year, submit proof of tax extension filing
• Previous Year's Financial Statement of Income & Expense
• Letter of acknowledgement of your existence from county and/or city animal control agency

For Municipal/Government Agencies:

• Collaboration letter from lead veterinarian
• Letter of support from director
• Current fiscal year agency budget showing line-item for animal care and control

For Applications Using Fiscal Sponsor:

• Cover letter from both applicant and fiscal sponsor explaining relationship and division of responsibilities
• All required documents for fiscal sponsor organization

Application Content/Questions

Application should address the following (based on website guidance):

For Spay/Neuter Programs (General):

• Description of current spay/neuter services in target area
• How grant funds will increase sterilization rates above baseline
• Target animal populations (low-income pet owners, pit bulls/large breeds, free-roaming cats, underserved areas)
• Project plan and timeline
• Budget breakdown
• Collaboration details (veterinarians, other organizations, agencies involved)
• Applicant track record and capability to implement
• Sustainability plan
• Cost-per-surgery projections

For Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs (Feral Cat):

• Precise geographic area of feral cat colony/colonies
• Estimated size of colony and projected reduction/elimination timeline
• Responsible TNR management plan
• Stability/sustainability of colony management (volunteer commitment, lifelong care capability)
• Community collaboration details (education, outreach, adoption programs)
• List of supporting organizations/agencies
• Wildlife impact mitigation steps
• Compliance with local ordinances

Available Resources

• 2024 Florida Animal Friend Grant Application Worksheet - downloadable for full submission requirements list
• Application Help Page - walks through every step, answers FAQs, provides downloadable resources
• Video Presentation - explains grant application process
• Past Recipients - winning proposals available to review as examples