Pet Plate Grant

Program Overview:
Since 2005, MAC has annually awarded grants to spay-neuter programs across Massachusetts operated by non-profits, municipalities, and coalitions of animal-centered organizations. Funding comes from sales of the "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Over $3 million has been awarded to organizations for spay and neuter surgeries across the state.

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts

Eligible Applicants:

• Non-profit animal shelters
• Rescue organizations
• Animal control programs
• Municipal animal control agencies
• Coalitions of animal-centered organizations

Focus Areas:

• Affordable spay/neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits
• Reducing homeless animal populations

Key Requirements:

• Organization must be up to date with state and federal filings
• Must have IRS 990/990EZ/990-N (if applicable)
• Must be able to secure spay/neuter surgeries for intended animals
• Applicants must agree to Terms and Conditions

Funding Use:

• Grant funds must be spent on spay/neuter surgeries by December 31, 2026
• MAC may request detailed spending information and documentation at any time during or after the grant cycle
• Optional tracking log provided; organizations may use any tracking system

Review Process:
A Grant Awards Committee (5 members) reviews applications and makes funding recommendations:

• Animal control officer
• Veterinarian
• MAC member
• Two members from shelter and rescue community (different areas of MA)

Important Dates for 2026 Cycle:

• Applications open: December 15, 2025
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026
• Grant determinations: March 2026
• Checks sent: April 2026
• Final report due: January 15, 2027
• Note: Failure to submit reports by deadline disqualifies from future grants (no exceptions)

How to Apply

1. Access the Application
- Online form available at https://www.massanimalcoalition.org/pet-plate-grant
- PDF version also provided for review and planning before submission

2. Prepare Required Documents
- Collect organization's IRS 990/990EZ/990-N (if applicable)
- Verify organization is current with state and federal filings
- Review MetroWest Humane Society Checklist for Fed and State Filing Requirements (provided)

3. Complete the Online Application
- Submit through the online form only
- Can save input and edit as needed
- Agree to Terms and Conditions (required section in application form)

4. Narrative Submission
- Required: Short narrative explaining how you will use the funds
- Format: Bullet points acceptable
- Maximum characters: 3,000
- Recommendation: Prepare narrative in Microsoft Word first (use Review tab > Character Count), then copy and paste into form

5. Submit Application
- Deadline: January 15, 2026 (must be submitted by deadline)
- All required documents must be included
- Only complete applications submitted by deadline will be considered

6. Post-Award Requirements
- Spend grant funds on spay/neuter surgeries by December 31, 2026
- Maintain detailed spending records (sample tracking log provided)
- Submit final report by January 15, 2027
- May be asked to provide detailed spending information and documentation upon request

Key Application Tips: