Lupa Animal Wellness Fund Grant

The Lupa Animal Wellness Fund is a funding opportunity administered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Duluth, Minnesota. The foundation is known for supporting initiatives that foster positive impacts within northeastern Minnesota and neighboring regions. Their targeted grants empower nonprofit organizations, government entities, schools, and Tribal governments to implement community-centered programs that align with the foundation’s mission. The Lupa Animal Wellness Fund specifically focuses on addressing critical issues affecting companion animals, particularly dogs and cats. The fund’s priorities include tackling animal cruelty and fighting, responding to emergency situations, intervening in puppy mills, mitigating pet overpopulation, addressing concerns with animal research practices, and enhancing pet adoption services. Additionally, it supports the expansion and sustenance of animal care centers across the region, creating a broad scope of potential initiatives eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include entities that are legally classified under IRS Sections 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), and 7871, which encompasses traditional nonprofits, governmental bodies (such as municipalities and schools), and Tribal governments. Faith-based organizations, as well as those utilizing an eligible fiscal agent, are also considered, provided they meet the structural criteria. The fund is geographically restricted to projects serving communities within the Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s service area, which includes counties and tribal regions in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. These include Carlton, Cook, St. Louis, Douglas, and surrounding counties, as indicated in the linked service area map. The application process is designed to ensure thoughtful proposals while remaining accessible. Funding is distributed on a rolling basis, allowing organizations to submit proposals at any time without a fixed deadline. However, applicants are required to request an access code to proceed with the online application, which they can obtain by contacting Kursula Harris, Senior Community Impact Associate, via email. This access requirement implies a layer of pre-application screening or controlled access to application materials, though no formal LOI or concept paper is mandated. Awards can be as high as $25,000, though the fund does not indicate a minimum threshold. Funds are expected to be used directly for programmatic activities aligning with the fund’s mission, such as rescue and relocation of animals, spay/neuter services, adoption initiatives, and emergency interventions. There is no indication of a required cost-share or matching funds, making it financially accessible for smaller or under-resourced applicants. Given its rolling application cycle, the Lupa Animal Wellness Fund remains continually open for submissions, providing an ongoing opportunity for local and regional organizations to seek support for their animal welfare programs. Applicants are encouraged to plan submissions in alignment with internal cycles or upcoming needs, and to maintain proactive communication with the program officer to secure application access and ensure fit with fund priorities.