First Steps Grants

The Binky Foundation’s Grant Program is designed to support the early development of new and small animal welfare organizations in the United States. Unlike many large-scale funders that focus on national or global strategies, The Binky Foundation emphasizes grassroots impact, offering startup support to organizations committed to protecting animals and their habitats. The program recognizes that new organizations often face significant challenges accessing early-stage funding and seeks to fill that gap through its “First Steps” and “Forward Steps” grant opportunities. The “First Steps” Grant Program provides $1,000 in funding to new animal welfare organizations that meet a defined set of criteria. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, demonstrate that at least one key member of the organization has completed relevant business and animal welfare training, and submit a detailed Business/Action Plan. This plan must include financial statements, projections, and demonstrate thoughtful planning and a commitment to long-term sustainability. The grant is not guaranteed, and final awards are made solely at the discretion of The Binky Foundation. Applications for First Steps grants must be submitted via an online application form. Paper-based or email submissions are not accepted. Required uploads include the IRS determination letter, documentation of training completion, and a comprehensive business plan. The foundation urges applicants to carefully review its memorandum titled “Understanding Our First Steps Grant Criteria” before applying. Complete applications are reviewed diligently, but incomplete or inaccurate submissions may be rejected without follow-up. For 2025, the First Steps Grant application window closes at 5:00pm EDT on Saturday, November 15. Applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed for funding decisions to be made within the calendar year. There is no indication of rolling or ongoing acceptance outside of the defined window. Organizations that have previously received a First Steps grant may be considered for a follow-up “Forward Steps” grant. These are issued by invitation only, typically to organizations that have demonstrated the success and effectiveness of their original business plan. Forward Steps grants may be used to cover unexpected operating expenses or meet specific organizational needs and are likewise awarded at the foundation’s discretion. There is no open application form for this grant type—only recipients of invitations may apply. The Binky Foundation’s grant program does not fund individual veterinary bills, pet care, housing, or food assistance. Individuals in need are advised to seek help from local shelters or community-based charitable resources. The foundation's commitment is to organizational development and sustainability, not individual support cases.