Patterson Foundation: Assistance Dog Program Grants

Patterson Foundation: Assistance Dog Program Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Patterson Dental Foundation
Amount: Up to US $35,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

Overview

NOTE: The Patterson Foundation is committed to investing in programs that strengthen our communities. In general, support is limited to organizations that are members or candidates of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation(IGDF). At this time, the Patterson Foundation is also only awarding grants to organizations who breed and raise puppies for placement, and not rescue or shelter animals. Letter of Inquiry - The Foundation has a two-step application process and continuously accepts and reviews letters of inquiry (LOI) through our online Grants Management System. Full Proposal - Invite Only - Following approval of an organization's LOI, an invitation is extended to complete our application form. Our staff may contact applicants with follow-up questions after initial review of the application. The board of directors meets quarterly to review grant applications and make funding decisions, typically in April, June, October and December of each year. Grant applications are due 60 to 90 days prior to the board meeting. Assistance Dog Program Grants The Patterson Foundation reserved community grant funding for organizations that provide service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. In general, support is limited to organizations that are members or candidates of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation(IGDF). At this time, the Patterson Foundation is also only awarding grants to organizations who breed and raise puppies for placement, and not rescue or shelter animals. In this focus area, the Foundation will consider applications focusing on one of the following requests: Capital: Projects that expand an organization’s capacity to serve individuals in need. For example, funding maybe used for construction or renovation costs to help expand capacity. In general, individual grant amounts vary up to $35,000, depending on the project goals and scope. Personnel Funding: Awards may help cover costs for individuals on staff that are directly related to puppy breeding, raising and training. In general, programs can receive up to $10,000 in support, depending on the goals and impact of the program. Puppy Raising: This funding will be aimed at helping support programs that are directly related to puppy breeding, raising and training. In general, grant amounts vary up to $35,000. Program Support: Separate from any of the other funding options, this grant award may be used to support programs that help improve the client experience, expand awareness or access to under-served populations, or to help with general operation budget items for your organization. Individual grant amounts vary up to $10,000, depending on the scale and impact of the program.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Within the focus area, the Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations classified as public charities under Section 509(a)(1) or (2) by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.Grants are made to support communities in the Patterson Companies service areas throughout the United States and Canada.The Patterson Foundation generally considers only single year grant requests.All grantees are asked to submit follow-up reports via our online system within one year after a grant is awarded. Organizations are not eligible to receive additional funding until the follow-up report is received.

Ineligibility

Per our funding guidelines, grants cannot be used to purchase supplies or equipment.In general, the Foundation will not consider requests for:The types of products or services sold by Patterson Companies, Inc., including dental or veterinary supplies, software, and equipment (a local branch of a Patterson company may consider donating products) The direct costs of treatment or therapies Organizations primarily funded by state or federal governments Individuals Travel Film/video productions Religious programs for religious purposes Scientific research Fraternal, social, veteran or military organizations Conferences/seminars or publications of their proceedings Fundraising or athletic events Emergency operating support Political advocacy, lobbying