Feral cats having kittens is a problem, however. Feral kittens rarely survive their first year because of weather, starvation, disease and human cruelty. The kittens that do survive grow into adults and begin having litters. If feral cats are not spayed, population growth can quickly explode. Three problems associated with uncontrolled feral cat populations are pregnancy, disease and fighting. All three of these problems can be solved by spaying feral cats and returning them to their natural habitats.
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PetSmart Charities Free-Roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program
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This grant enables organizations to work to reduce the feral cat population in their communities. The grant is intended to resolve the problem on a community-wide basis. Recipients work with PetSmart Charities to create and implement a plan to solve feral cat problems in their town or city.
This annual grant gives up to $100,000 for the purpose of stopping population growth among feral cats. To begin the application process, interested persons must first fill out a pre-application questionnaire. The application process includes a detailed proposal to solve the problem of feral cats and an agreement to work closely with PetSmart Charities to put the plan into place.
PetSmart Charities
19601 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
800-423-7387
petsmartcharities.org
Virginia Federation of Humane Societies Spay/Neuter Program
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The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies offers grants to non-profit organizations that work to control the feral cat population within the state of Virginia. Spay/neuter clinics that have a targeted program to deal with feral cats are eligible to apply.
Applicants must submit six copies of a proposal for funding to the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS). The proposal must be for a specific project to help control the feral cat population in Virginia, such as offering veterinarians incentives to spay these cats. A budget and copies of documentation of your 501(c) 3 status must also be submitted.
Virginia Federation of Humane Societies
P.O. Box 50058
Arlington, VA 22205-9998
703-294-4949
vfhs.org
ASPCA Grants
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The ASPCA offers grants to organizations that help control the spread of feral cat populations in humane ways. These grants award up to $3,000 for each qualifying organization. Organizations may start the grant application by sending a letter of inquiry to the ASPCA Spay/Neuter program. Qualified organizations will then be invited to submit a full grant application. The grant application should include references, a budget, a proposal and pictures of the animals being served.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
424 E 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
800-628-0028
aspcapro.org
Handsel Foundation (Oregon/Washington)
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The Handsel Foundation offers two types of grants to organizations in Oregon or Washington that help spay and neuter feral cats. "Normal" grants fund programs for a year or less, and offer up to $10,000. This grant helps organizations start up a program for spaying feral cats.
Organizations interested in maintaining a targeted spaying program may be interested in a strategic grant. Strategic grants are very competitive; they are only offered to two to three organizations per year. These grants require recipients to create a comprehensive plan for controlling the feral cat population and to work with the Handsel Foundation to measure the success of the plan over a specific amount of time. These grants are worth $25,000 or more.
To apply for either grant, interested organizations can send a letter of inquiry to the Handsel Foundation. The letter should include a budget including amount requested, the geographic scope of the project, a list of other supporters, and contact information. The foundation will then invite selected recipients to make a full application.
The Handsel Foundation
P.O. Box 6476
Olympia, WA 98507-6476
206-905-9887
handselfdn.org
Maddie's Fund
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Maddie's Fund's primary mission is to establish no-kill shelters so that all dogs and cats can live productive lives. They fund targeted spay/neuter programs in under-served communities as part of this mission.
Any coalition that wants to help stop the unnecessary killing of feral cats is eligible to apply for a grant. Coalitions can include groups of private individuals but must also include animal control agencies as well as shelters or veterinary clinics. Starter grants are up to $20,000.
To apply, interested coalitions should submit an application which includes statistics on how many feral cats are captured and put into shelters, how many kittens are born per year, and how many feral cats are dying. Applications are accepted all year.
Maddie's Fund
2223 Santa Clarita Avenue, Suite B
Alameda, CA 94501
510-337-8989
maddiesfund.org
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