Project Grants

Project Grants

Funder: The William and Charlotte Parks Foundation for Animal Welfare

Website: parksfoundation.org

Overview

The Parks Foundation currently ONLY considers applications for Project Grants. Awards are usually not more than $10,000 per annum to support projects, research, and other activities calculated to advance the welfare of animals.

Funding Focus Areas

Successful applications have supported:
• Animal rescue training
• Research and data websites
• Equipment purchase or small-scale repairs/renovations tied to specific program initiatives
• Canine behavior training
• Public awareness campaigns
• Humane education
• Campaign plans
• Law enforcement training
• Conferences and festivals
• Curriculum development
• Staff training and education
• Anti-cruelty hotlines
• Animal welfare certification initiatives
• Psychology and social psychology research concerning cruelty and kindness
• Habitat enhancement
• Disaster response and recovery activities

Areas of Potential Interest

• Development of alternatives in education
• Development of best practices in companion animal care and services
• Application of the "Three R's" approach (refinement, replacement, and reduction of animal use)
• Methods and strategies of population control
• Predator protection
• Prevention of animal cruelty through social or other interventions
• Promoting knowledge and awareness of the science, philosophy, and ethics of animal welfare and animal rights
• Research and survey work concerning public attitudes and behaviors
• Animal welfare publishing

Specific Focus Areas by Category

#### Academic Studies

Studies of the human-animal bond

Mitigation or elimination of animal pain and suffering

Effectiveness of humane education

Human-animal coexistence research

Advanced animal welfare training

Studies in human behavior change and social marketing

Conferences and student fellowships

Development and validation of non-animal methods in science

#### Animals in Research, Testing and Education

Advancement of non-animal methods

Studies of contemporary animal use in research, testing and education

Related academic and practical research

Initiatives to alleviate pain and suffering in laboratory animals

#### Companion Animals
U.S.-based organizations: The foundation DOES NOT accept applications from U.S.-based groups for:

Spay/neuter programs and surgeries

General operating expenses

Temperament testing

Software development or purchases

Behavioral training

Caging systems

Capital grants/campaigns for construction or renovation

Trap-neuter-return activities

Ordinary practice of veterinary medicine

Maine-based organizations: The foundation DOES make grants in support of Maine-based animal organizations, including shelters and rescue groups (all companion animal work eligible).

Non-U.S. organizations: No restrictions regarding companion animal work; may apply for grants supporting all companion animal care and relief work with strict accountability measures.

#### Disaster Planning and Recovery

Planning and implementation for long-term disaster recovery programs

#### Farm Animals

Research, social marketing, and reform campaigns to reduce specific cruelties

Efforts to advance public embrace of more humane lifestyles and diet

#### Humane Education

Innovative educational outreach programs for schoolchildren and other audiences

Does NOT fund salaries and overhead costs for routine operation

Favors initiatives with measurable outcomes

#### Wildlife

Does NOT fund campaigns to save endangered or threatened species (with exception: species that are victims of gross cruelty or exploitation)

Advocacy/educational campaigns

Ethical research

Scientific research, social science analysis, strategic planning and social marketing

Efforts to promote and implement human-wildlife coexistence initiatives

Advice hotlines, databases, publications and other resources

#### Working Animals

Global in-country campaigns to address the plight of working animals, especially equines

Service animal programs with strong research and outcomes agenda

Evaluation studies of service animal programs

What the Foundation Does NOT Fund

• Capital grants (major construction, remodeling, or expansion projects)
• General operating grants (fixed or basic costs of administration; rent or mortgage payments)
• Programs to improve animal health
• Spay/neuter assistance programs
• Efforts to save endangered species (with exceptions noted above)
• Wildlife rehabilitation
• Conservation/protection of wild animal populations
• Political candidates
• Capital campaigns
• Endowment funds
• Building renovations
• Government agencies
• Organizations with large cash reserves
• Campaigns for the reintroduction of 'listed' endangered species
• Land preservation

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

Animal protection organizations

Individual scholars pursuing work consistent with the goals of the Trust founders (doctoral or post-doctoral candidates)

Organizational or institutional projects

Grassroots activities

Academic studies

Animal sanctuaries (case-by-case basis; preference for those verified/accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or comparable organization)

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be 501(c)(3) public charity in the U.S. or registered under similar authority in home nation

Organizations applying MUST be recognized as 501c(3) entity or equivalent in the country where they operate

Funds for individual scholars must be distributed through an organization or institution with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent

Organizations must have animal protection as their primary purpose

NOT Eligible:

Municipalities and municipal agencies

Individuals (only through eligible organizations/institutions)

Organizations without 501(c)(3) status or equivalent

Banking Note: Some countries have banking systems that may not be regarded as secure by US Banks. If applicants use local banks, US banks may decline to disburse grants. In such cases, the Parks Trust grant award may be nullified.

Geographic Scope

• The foundation favors applications from outside the United States, understanding that funds often go further internationally
• Annual funding is divided between U.S. and non-U.S. organizations
• Special consideration for Maine-based organizations

Application Requirements

Applications should include:

Description of need for the project (how will the status of animals be improved)

Basic protocols of the project

Discussion of feasibility, likely chance of success, and evaluation methods

Projected annual budget and time for completion

List of other entities approached for financial support and stage of those applications

Qualifications of the project director

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals judged by:
• Originality
• Potential impact on animal welfare
• Number of animals affected
• Project's time frame and feasibility
• Track record of applicant
• Need for the program or data
• Public accountability of the organization
• Likelihood of achieving other sources of funding

Characteristics of Successful Applications

• Evidence that the organization is making a concerted effort to assess program effectiveness
• Evidence that the organization has been striving in substantial ways to reduce animal pain, stress, and suffering
• Evidence of commitment to improve animal welfare

Grant Renewals

• The Parks Foundation welcomes second- and third-year renewal applications from organizations that have complied with all progress reporting and accountability requirements
• Will NOT entertain fourth-year renewal requests
• Few applicants in that situation are asked to wait at least one year before re-applying

Contact

For more information, visit parksfoundation.org or contact via their website.