Animal Welfare Grant Program

The Animal Welfare Grant Program is administered by the Maine Community Foundation, a statewide philanthropic organization committed to strengthening communities and improving the quality of life for all Maine residents. Founded to support charitable causes throughout the state, the foundation works across various issue areas through competitive grant programs and donor-advised funding. The Animal Welfare Fund, established in 2007 by an anonymous donor and bolstered by the Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., and the George F. Lyman and Ernestine Lyman Trust, specifically supports initiatives benefiting companion animals, particularly cats and dogs, across Maine. This grant program aims to support organizations that are advancing the welfare of small companion animals through direct services and outreach. Eligible activities include population control, surrender prevention, humane education, spay and neuter programs, veterinary care, and pet-related transportation services. The grant provides three-year general operating support, allowing awardees to allocate funds flexibly toward new, expanding, or ongoing programs, operational needs, or capital expenses—as long as they align with the fund’s criteria. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations located in Maine, with a primary mission focused on improving the welfare of small companion animals. Each organization must adhere to the Maine Community Foundation’s grant eligibility standards and non-discrimination policy. It is recommended that applicants thoroughly review these policies prior to submission. This grant program does not fund specific projects; rather, it provides general support based on the overall work of the organization in the specified focus areas. The application window for the 2024 cycle opens on July 15 and closes on September 15 at 11:59 p.m. Notifications of grant decisions will be sent by December 15. The maximum grant amount is $15,000 per year, and organizations may receive funding for up to three years. Applications are accepted every three years, with the next open calls scheduled for 2025 and 2028. The most recent cycle received 44 applications, of which 37 were awarded, representing an 84 percent success rate. Total funds distributed amounted to $492,090, with an average award of $13,300. Applications must be submitted online through the Maine Community Foundation's portal, accessible via the “Apply” button on the program's webpage. General support applications should emphasize the organization’s broader mission and alignment with animal welfare goals rather than proposing discrete projects. All awarded funds are unrestricted but must support work consistent with the program’s priorities. For additional information or to clarify eligibility, applicants are encouraged to contact John Ochira, the staff contact for the Animal Welfare program, via email at jochira@mainecf.org or by phone at 207-412-0837. Offices are located in Ellsworth and Portland, Maine. Interested applicants can also review grants awarded in the past three years to better understand the foundation's funding patterns.

Applicants are advised to focus on how their organization aligns with the Animal Welfare criteria, as this is a general support grant.