The Homeless Animals Support Network Fund Grant

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.
For more than 25 years, The Community Foundation has been a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region.
This fund, entrusted to the foundation in 2023, is the next step in the evolution of the Homeless Animals Support Network - HASN’s mission to meet the needs of homeless animals all over Virginia.
The work began in October of 2012 as a non-profit fundraising organization dedicated to saving lives and advocating for homeless animals in Prince William County. Realizing the need for assistance stretches across the state, HASN expanded to help other small animal rescue organizations throughout Virginia.
The purpose of the fund is to provide support on an as-needed basis for small rescues and shelters throughout the state of Virginia, to aid in the shared goal of a No-Kill VA. Realizing that not all rescues and communities have access to needed resources, the fund will bridge the gap by advocating for and providing grant assistance and resources to underserved and impoverished communities and homeless pets all across Virginia. Small shelters are defined as those with budgets of $300,000 or less.
Program examples include:

• Foster programs aimed at keeping pets out of animal shelters,
• Return to Home programs that assist owners through technology, microchipping, and other resources,
• Shelter Surrender Intervention aimed at assisting pet owners in need or crisis, to prevent them from surrendering their pets to the shelter,
• Foster programs for victims of domestic violence or those facing temporary traumatic instances,

Assisting pets of the homeless and/or low-income pet owners with medical treatments as part of community outreach. For example, Spay/ Neuter programs, vaccines, behavioral assistance, food, and supplies, etc.,
Spay/Neuter services,
Something cool and unique that YOUR community needs!

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must have:A valid 501c3 status or be contract-holding shelters or rescues in Virginia.
Have a written strategic plan with the goal of saving 90% or more of the animals surrendered or transferred in, yearly.
Earn less than $300,000 revenue/yearly.
Eligible projects must meet the following criteria to apply for a grant:Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.For organizations or projects that do not meet the above eligibility requirements, we will consider projects submitted through a fiscal sponsor. Any applicant that is not a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization must have a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization act as a fiscal sponsor and provide a letter of support from a qualified 501(c)(3) organization.Be current with all state and federal reporting requirements.Not have any past due grant reports for previous Community Foundation grants.

Ineligibility

Administrative expenses and payroll.
Mileage that is not related to the treatment of animals.
Emergency pet care. The Community Foundation does not make grants to organizations that, in their constitution, bylaws or practices, discriminate against a person or group because of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.  Additionally, The Community Foundation will not award grants for:
IndividualsRequests that violate our Nondiscrimination PolicyRequests for regranting purposesFundraising campaigns or eventsAdvancement of capital or endowment campaignsPolitical doctrine, political campaigns, and lobbying.Religious activities, proselytization or projects that exclusively serve religious or sectarian purposes. Religious organizations providing non-religious community services will be consideredDebt payment or legal settlementsRetroactive funding or reimbursement for completed projects, programs, and equipmentNational and statewide organizations that cannot demonstrate a strong local presence