Project Grants

Funder: The William and Charlotte Parks Foundation for Animal Welfare

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

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.

How to Apply

1. Review Program Overview
   • Read the program overview and guidelines closely BEFORE applying
   • Ensure your organization/project fits within specified interest areas and geography
   • If not a good fit, the foundation respectfully asks that you refrain from applying
2. Confirm Organizational Eligibility
   • Verify the applicant organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity in the U.S. or registered under similar authority in home nation
   • Confirm your organization is NOT:
   • A municipality or municipal agency
   • Seeking capital campaign funding
   • Seeking endowment funds
   • Seeking building renovation funding
   • A government agency
   • An organization with large cash reserves
   • A campaign for reintroduction of 'listed' endangered species
   • A land preservation initiative
   • If U.S.-based and working with companion animals, review specific restrictions regarding shelter/rescue work
3. Submit Application
   • Click "Apply Here" on the website
   • Create an account
   • Complete the application form
   • Applications can be returned to and edited up until the listed application close date
   • Important: Applications must be submitted before the application close date to be considered
4. Grant Award Notifications
   • Applicants selected for funding will receive notification via email to the primary contact listed on the grant application
   • Notifications are generally provided no more than 90 days after applications close
5. Final Report Requirement
   • Awardees are required to submit their program's results, including a final report
   • Organizations must comply with all progress reporting and accountability requirements

Application Materials

While specific required forms are not detailed in the provided content, applicants should prepare:

• Project description and need statement
• Outline of basic protocols
• Feasibility analysis and evaluation methods
• Projected annual budget
• Timeline for completion
• List of other funding sources approached
• Project director qualifications
• Evidence of organizational commitment to program effectiveness assessment
• Evidence of commitment to reducing animal pain, stress, and suffering