Margaret Warren and Grace Lemley Animal Welfare Grant

The Margaret Warren and Grace Lemley Animal Welfare Grant is a philanthropic initiative administered by the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) to honor the enduring legacy of Margaret “Maggie” Lemley Warren. Born in 1916 and remembered for her lifelong dedication to animals, Maggie’s legacy of compassion lives on through this annual grant opportunity. Designed to support nonprofit organizations working in animal welfare, the program serves as a meaningful continuation of her values and dedication to humane animal care across the Black Hills region of South Dakota. This grant provides financial support for animal welfare efforts specifically located within Butte, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade, Oglala Lakota, and Pennington counties. With a maximum award ceiling of $5,000 per grant cycle, the funding can be applied to a wide array of needs, including the launch of new initiatives or the expansion of existing animal welfare programs. Additionally, the grant accommodates capacity building, operational support, and small capital improvements. However, eligibility is limited to shelters with a no-kill policy, further aligning with the fund’s mission to protect and nurture animal life. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities, or religious organizations, and the supported activity must take place within the aforementioned counties. The program explicitly excludes projects that support political or religious activity, benefits or fundraising events, debt retirement, or advocacy efforts primarily intended to influence legislation. Projects must also demonstrate non-discriminatory practices across a wide spectrum of protected categories. The grant review committee evaluates applications on the basis of four primary criteria: the potential to improve animal welfare, alignment with pressing community needs, the organization’s capability to sustain its efforts beyond the grant period, and the overall clarity and impact of the proposed initiative. These criteria ensure that funded projects are not only aligned with the spirit of the fund but also sustainable and impactful within the target region. To apply, organizations must access the BHACF grant application portal. First-time applicants are required to create an account, while returning applicants may log in using existing credentials. The grant application window opens on March 1 and closes on April 12. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers are noted, streamlining the submission process for eligible groups. For inquiries related to accounts or the application process, applicants may contact Carrie Robley at [email protected]. The physical office of the BHACF is located at 243 Founders Park Drive, Suite 102, Rapid City, SD 57701, and the foundation can also be reached at 605-718-0112 or via email at [email protected]. Although the grant is offered annually, no next-cycle month is stated explicitly. However, the submission window suggests a recurring annual cycle aligned with early spring.

The committee prioritizes applications that demonstrate strong community need, capacity for sustainability, and measurable improvement in animal welfare.