What programs does Florida Animal Friend fund?

Florida Animal Friend grants are typically awarded to programs that increase cat and dog sterilization above the existing baseline. Some examples of previous funding include:

• Programs for pets in low-income families
• Programs for pit bull dog sterilization
• Programs for feral cat sterilization
• Programs that target especially difficult or unique animal overpopulation sources
• Programs providing spay/neuter services where none currently exist

Funds are unlikely to be approved to replace existing program funding or to fund surgeries that are likely to be performed whether or not Florida Animal Friend funding was available. For example, Florida law requires that animals adopted from shelters and rescue groups be sterilized, and most adoption programs are already compliant with this law. Therefore, proposals that seek funding for neuter-before adoption projects are likely to receive a lower priority score than projects that are likely to reach new target populations at high risk for contributing to cat and dog overpopulation.

Funds may not be used for capital expenses or for procedures not directly related to sterilization surgery, such as promotions, vaccination, testing, and licensing. Funds may only be used for programs that comply with local city, county and state ordinances and laws.

It is recognized that there are areas of the state that are under-served by existing spay/neuter opportunities. It is hoped that in these areas, veterinarians, animal control, local humane groups, and others will form collaborative efforts to create sterilization programs where none currently exist. In these circumstances, the grant proposal should outline the participating parties.

Who is eligible to apply for grant funding?

The following groups are eligible to apply for grants from Florida Animal Friend:

• Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and a pre-determination or decision letter from the IRS and registered with Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Services City, county or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control.
• Groups that have not received Florida Animal Friend grant funds in the previous year. Grants are awarded to the same group no more frequently than every other year.
• A fiscal sponsor that meets these requirements if the applicant does not meet all of the eligibility requirements. In this case, both the applicant and the fiscal sponsor must complete separate applications that are submitted together with a cover letter explaining the relationship and division of responsibilities between the applicant and the sponsor. The fiscal sponsor must assume ultimate responsibility for assuring the funds are used as described and that the final report is submitted as scheduled.
  
  Note: Groups represented by current board members of Florida Animal Friend or current members of the grants committee are not eligible to apply during the term of service.

How much money is available?

The amount of funding available for each grant cycle is determined by the number of Florida Animal Friend license plate sales and renewals. In 2009, more than $400,000 was distributed to spay/neuter programs. There is a cap of $25,000 for each proposal.

How many grant applicants were awarded funds in 2009?

In its fourth grant competition in 2009, the grant selection committees of Florida Animal Friend spay/neuter license plate fund evaluated 52 applications requesting a total of $967,625. The proposals were excellent, and the committee found it very difficult to rank them in order. Ultimately, 24 grant applications were funded for a total of more than $400,000.

How can I get more help?

Contact us for more help at flanimalfriend@l-tgraye.com or (813) 960-3757.