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Q: I'm facing foreclosure. How do I get a grant from The Humane Society of the United States?
A: The HSUS is not in a position to grant funds to individuals directly. Rather, funds are being granted to animal shelters and rescue groups so that they can launch or broaden programs that are tailored, and therefore most useful, for individual communities. These applications must be for programs specifically designed to help people and pets during this current economic downturn. Applications for normal funding, donations or programs that are not related to the economic downturn will not be considered. Please contact your local shelter, food bank or Red Cross to see if they can assist you.
Q: I work at an animal shelter. How do I apply for a grant?
A: "Moving," "landlord won't allow" and "can't afford" have always been reasons for surrendering pets to shelters. However, in the period of February 2007-2008, foreclosures have risen nationally almost 60 percent. In addition, people have lost their jobs and basic costs are rising.
It's a particularly hard time for people and pets. Find out how you can apply for a grant to keep people and their pets together. Visit www.animalsheltering.org/foreclosurepets to find the grant guidelines and application. Applications will be reviewed and grant recipients selected by HSUS staff based on the indicated plan for use as related to the current economic downturn.
Q: How is money being raised for the foreclosure fund?
A: The HSUS has seeded the foreclosure fund with $15,000. Although The HSUS does not run local humane societies or animal care and control agencies, we work hard to help them. We realize that many shelters and rescue groups may not have the time or staff to develop their own fundraising efforts and that The HSUS, with its national outreach, has the capability to reach thousands of generous people who care about animals. With donations from such caring people, we hope to raise additional funds and help more shelters.
Q: How can I donate to the fund?
A: We're glad you asked and that you're fortunate enough to help others. It's easy—You can donate securely online at www.humanesociety.org/foreclosurepets or by mailing a check payable to The HSUS at:
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Be sure to write FORECLOSURE PET FUND in your check's memo line. Thank you for your generosity. (NOTE: The donation is tax deductible.)
Q: How will the money be used?
A: Shelters and rescue organizations that apply for a grant may use the money on any program, existing or new, to assist families or individuals whose main challenge with keeping their pet(s) is a financial one. For example, a shelter may partner with a local food bank and encourage community members to donate pet food and supplies or use The HSUS grant as a challenge to encourage financial donations from their community.
Q: How much money can a shelter get?
A: Grants will range from $500 to $2,000.
Q: When will the grants be available?
A: Grant decisions from Round One were made in the late spring. Subsequent decisions for additional rounds will be made as long as funds exist. If you shelter does not qualify for an award initially, your application will automatically be defaulted to the general pool to be considered in subsequent rounds.
Updated July 3, 2008.
