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March 2025
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We could not do our work without the support of our amazing community. Please consider supporting our work through donating to our life-saving programming.
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Focus on: Grants
At every shelter WWLDO visits, people ask about grants, which is why we’ve devoted an entire newsletter to grants.
Although grants are out there and can make a significant impact, the challenge of winning them continues to grow. So how can you push your organization into that winning spot?
For starters, remember that the people most invested in your success are those in your community so look for grant opportunities where you are. As examples, Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot have grant programs that give back to their communities. Investigate those options.
Yet don’t stop there. Reach out to other local businesses. Write a strong proposal with your specific needs like building improvements, play yards, vaccines or a transport van. Then research and develop accurate figures for what everything will cost and how these improvements will impact your work. Once your proposal is completed, present it to local businesses in your community. Although they’re often willing to help, you need to ask and be as specific as possible.
You can also look to local organizations like like Rotary and Elks clubs. Kids’ organizations may be another avenue. For instance, Scout troops, church youth groups and school clubs often take on community service projects. Even if you get a “no,” it’s still a win because you’ve had the opportunity to share your shelter or rescue, your passion and the work you do with people in your community. You never know how that awareness can come back to help you. Who knows? You might find volunteers, fosters and/or adopters.
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Some basic tips for success:
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- Have multiple hard copies of your proposal.
- Be positive and professional.
- Use visuals – pictures that include animals and the public are best.
- Take an adorable puppy or two with you (though check first, of course)!
Check out the Resource Guide on our web site for a list of grants and deadlines along with some general guidance on writing a grant. It was recently updated with 2025 deadlines.
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Alternatives to Grants
Grants aren’t the only way to get assistance. Many companies support shelters and rescues through free programs.
Here are a few examples:
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- The American Dog Company supports shelters through its Gracie’s Giveback program. Every quarter, the program donates a certain number of dog toys in response to requests that meet its criteria. Organizations seeking donations for upcoming events or rescue dogs awaiting adoption can complete an online form.
- Chewy has donated over 80 million pounds of pet food to shelters nationwide. Shelters and rescues can join the Chewy Network online to access benefits and resources to help homeless animals.
- According to the Hill’s Pet Nutrition, more than 900 North American shelters participate in the Hills Food, Shelter, and Love Program. Through this program, the company provides shelter partners with training, shelter visuals and other digital aids, plus exclusive discounts on Hill’s brand pet food. To take advantage of this program, shelters should first check out the required qualifications. Qualifying shelters can < href="https://www.hillspet.com/food-shelter-love/my-shelter/about/application">apply online to participate.
- Through its Pay It Forward Initiative, Joyride Harness donates products to events or organizations for fundraising efforts or dogs in need. Shelters and nonprofits working to help homeless animals can complete an online donation form.
- Nylabone gives back to shelters through its Nylabone Cares program which donates high-quality, durable chew toys to shelter dogs, service animals and other canines preparing for a new life and family. Shelters can apply for donations by submitting an online form.
- Max & Neo donates a product to a shelter or rescue for every product purchased. Donations are shipped out monthly, and recipient names are posted on the company’s Facebook page. Shelters and rescues usually receive about three donations a year and can request to be added to the recipient list. Max & Neo customers can also ask that their favorite rescues or shelters be added.
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InstaGrants
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WWLDO has its own unique mini-grant program called InstaGrants. This program allows WWLDO to grant requests for items that help improve shelter conditions and/or care of the dogs. WWLDO has “InstaGranted” items like raised dog beds, kennels, kennel partitions and pressure washers. Directors may request a grant by emailing karenalden@WWLDO.org. To read more about InstaGrants and program requirements, please visit https://whowillletthedogsout.org/instagrants/. This year’s InstaGrants are funded by the ASPCA, but anybody can donate specifically to this program.
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Get Your App in for PEDIGREE Grants
Applications for the PEDIGREE Foundation's 2025 annual grants cycle opened on February 28 and will close at midnight central time on April 13.
PEDIGREE Foundation is focusing on the following program categories for its 2025 annual grants:
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- Foster programs that place dogs in temporary, loving homes while awaiting adoption, where foster caregivers or families offer care, advocacy and socialization to prepare them for permanent homes with an emphasis on initiatives that facilitate adoptions directly from foster care.
- Transport programs that help organizations move dogs from overpopulated areas to regions with better adoption opportunities with a particular focus on transporting them directly into foster and adoption programs.
- Behavior programs that focus on socialization, training and stress relief to help dogs overcome behaviors that may prevent them from being adopted into loving, forever homes. This includes both in-shelter and post-adoption behavior support programs.
The 2025 PEDIGREE Foundation grants program includes two types of grants which shelters and rescues can apply for:
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- DOGS RULE.™ Grant ($100,000) – This two-year grant ($50,000 per year) may be awarded to one applicant to fund new, creative and innovative initiatives that not only help their own organizations but also could serve as best-practice models for other shelters and rescues to help increase dog adoption rates.
- Program Development Grants ($10,000 – $15,000) – These grants are designed to support activities that enhance the programming capabilities of shelters or rescues with the goal of improving dog adoption rates. This may involve the expansion of current programs or the creation of new ones.
Got questions about grants?
Please reach out to Nicole at Nicole@WWLDO.org who volunteers as WWLDO’s grants advisor.
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Volunteer Spotlight
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WWLDO could not do what it does without its volunteers, and every month we like to introduce you to one of them. We’re pleased to introduce you to Connie Shirk.
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What is your role at WWLDO?
Freelance grant writer
How long have you been a volunteer here?
Since November 2024
Do you have pets?
No pets are allowed where I live, but I've raised five family dogs.
What inspired you to volunteer for WWLDO?
I volunteered to support WWLDO's vision. It's my therapy for not being able to have a dog.
What do you do when you're not volunteering?
When I'm not volunteering, I am a volunteer crisis counselor, prayer warrior for Chemo Angels, and I make Puppy Pal dolls for sick kids in the hospital. I love and support my one long-term husband, kids and grandkids. I walk three miles a day, am a previous church pianist and enjoy Bible study/reading, sewing, knitting and cooking.
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