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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. 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.
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. As you can see, our $15,000 seed funds won't go too far, considering the thousands of animal shelters that merit assistance, but it's a start. We hope that through your generosity, we’ll be able to reach more shelters that are working hard to prevent relinquishment and abandonment of pets. Remember that donating, fostering, volunteering and adopting are other important ways you can directly help your local shelter or adoption group.
Q: When will the grants be available?
A: Grants decisions will be made starting in late April and will continue to be available as long as funds exist. The generosity of individuals like you has the ability to help many animals. Wouldn't you hope that others would do the same if you were faced with the heartbreak of giving up your beloved pet during these hard economic times?
