The Animal Welfare Grants program, administered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, supports initiatives that address the well-being of animals, particularly cats and dogs, in Maine. The foundation recognizes the inherent connection between the health and well-being of animals, people, and the environment, and strives to ensure that all life is valued. The primary focus of the program is to reduce barriers to equitable pet ownership, keep pets with their owners, and humane population control.
The program supports organizations involved in:
Humane sheltering and rehoming services for cats and dogs, particularly animal shelters
Support services to keep pets with their owners, including social service agencies
Access to affordable veterinary care for pet owners
Advocacy and field-building efforts
Humane population control, including spaying/neutering programs
Priority will be given to organizations that:
Serve under-resourced communities
Provide community supports like pet food pantries, veterinary assistance, training, and crisis management services
Collaborate with others to meet both animal and community needs
In 2025, the Sewall Foundation has allocated $1,515,000 in available funding for this program. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year for animal shelters and social services programs. Field-building efforts can receive between $25,000 and $75,000 per year, with 1–5-year proposals considered. All funding efforts aim to create long-term, sustainable impacts on companion animal welfare and the communities they serve.
Applications for the 2025 funding cycle are due by February 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with grant decisions announced by the end of April 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the Sewall Grant Application Guide and follow the Creating an Account Guide for step-by-step instructions. Applications must be submitted online via the Sewall Foundation Grant Portal.
For more details or assistance, applicants can contact Amie Hutchison, Community Partner, or email info@sewallfoundation.org.
