PEDIGREE Foundation Grants

Since its establishment in 2008, the PEDIGREE Foundation has been committed to enhancing the lives of dogs in need through targeted funding support for animal shelters and rescue organizations. Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that increase dog adoption rates across the United States. With a cumulative investment exceeding $15.3 million through over 6,400 grants, the Foundation has played a key role in helping more than one million dogs find loving homes. The 2026 annual grants cycle continues this mission by offering financial support to programs that directly contribute to dog adoption success, particularly in the areas of fostering, transportation, and behavioral support. For 2026, the Foundation will distribute more than $1 million in total funding to eligible animal welfare organizations. Two types of grants are available: DOGS RULE.™ Grants and Program Development Grants. DOGS RULE.™ Grants are designed to fund innovative, scalable projects with the potential to serve as models for other shelters. These are two-year grants worth $100,000 total, distributed as $50,000 annually. Program Development Grants range from $10,000 to $15,000 and aim to support either new initiatives or the expansion of existing programs that enhance dog adoption rates. The PEDIGREE Foundation places particular emphasis on programs that have demonstrated efficacy in increasing adoptions. Foster programs allow dogs to temporarily reside in home environments while awaiting permanent adoption, offering them socialization and advocacy from foster parents. Transport programs help move dogs from overcrowded shelters to locations with higher adoption demand. Behavior programs target training and stress relief to better prepare dogs for adoption by helping them adjust socially and emotionally. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based animal shelters and foster-based rescues that hold current 501(c)(3) status. Government and municipal shelters with a designated “Friends of 501(c)(3)” partnership are also eligible to apply. All applicants must be operating within the United States. The Foundation does not support international applicants through this cycle. Applications for both DOGS RULE.™ and Program Development Grants are currently being accepted and must be submitted by April 13, 2026. Although no Letter of Intent or pre-proposal is required, applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar hosted by the PEDIGREE Foundation on March 5 at 1:00 PM CST. The session will provide detailed guidance on the grant application process and offer tips for crafting competitive proposals. A recording of the webinar will be made available on the Foundation’s official website for those unable to attend the live session. This grant cycle is recurring and is issued annually. Award notifications and timelines for disbursement are not explicitly stated, but based on prior years, grants are expected to be reviewed and awarded later in the year. The Foundation maintains a focus on long-term impact through its multi-year grant structure and encourages applicants to align proposals with sustainable adoption outcomes.

Attend the March 5 webinar to gain insight into effective grant submissions.