Funding

Investing in life-changing programs for animals in Ohio.

Ohio Animal Foundation supports a wide variety of programs and initiatives for animals in our state through our small grant program. Applications are accepted once a year during the month of May and the typical grant range is $250-$500.

We have identified the following fields of interest for funding:

1) Rescue and Shelter Services

• Includes services for domestic/companion/farm animals
• Includes programs for feral/community cats
• Includes community assistance programs for companion animals even if the applying organization is not a rescue or shelter

2) Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs

To be considered for a grant from Ohio Animal Foundation an organization must:

• Be an Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in good standing. We do not provide funding to individuals.
• Submit a completed application. Download the 2025 Application HERE.

Applicants should request support for a specific program/project/initative. Requests for a general organization donation are typically not funded.

Process and Timeline 

Applications are accepted annually during the month of May. All applications must be received  by Ohio Animal Foundation by June 1st. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Grant Committee. The Grant Committee will then make funding recommendations to the full Ohio Animal Foundation Board of Directors at our August board meeting.

Grant applicants will be notified of their application status via email following the August board meeting. Grant funds will be issued by October 31, 2025. A short grant report will be required when grant funds are spent, or by December 31, 2026 for the 2025 grant cycle.

Grant-Writing Resources and Learning Opportunities

Candid (Formerly the Foundation Center)–Offers a selection of free live webinars and self-paced courses.

NonprofitReady.org–Offers a broad range of free courses relevant to nonprofit organizations, including grant writing.