The Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant, offered by Orange County Animal Services, is designed to support animal welfare initiatives and projects within Orange County, North Carolina. This program aligns with the broader mission of enhancing the well-being of companion animals in the area, a cause championed by Pat Sanford during her 17-year tenure as Executive Director of the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APS) and her subsequent service on the county's Animal Services Advisory Board. The grant honors her dedication to combating pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs and ensuring compassionate animal care.
The grant targets individuals, groups, and organizations committed to animal welfare in Orange County. While recipients are not required to reside in the county, the funds must be utilized to benefit animals within Orange County. The impact goal is to advance animal placement, recovery, and overall well-being, mirroring the improvements Pat Sanford helped achieve, making Orange County a leading county in animal welfare. The maximum award for this ninth year of the program is $500, indicating a focus on pilot projects, seed funding, or supplementing existing programs.
The grant prioritizes efforts that support companion animals, including those used in recreation or therapy. It specifically encourages projects that exemplify the dedication and commitment to animal welfare demonstrated by Pat Sanford. Her advocacy for humane animal euthanasia by injection, recognizing the difficult lives many animals faced and their deserving of a compassionate end, suggests a focus on comprehensive animal care that considers the quality of life at all stages.
Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of various animal welfare projects, from spay/neuter initiatives to programs that improve animal recovery and placement rates. The grants are intended to foster innovative approaches or strengthen existing efforts, ultimately contributing to a sustained high standard of animal well-being in Orange County. The underlying strategic priority is to continue Pat Sanford's legacy of humane animal treatment and effective population control, aligning with a theory of change that posits targeted funding for dedicated local initiatives will lead to tangible improvements in animal welfare outcomes.
