Our Grant Program Philosophy
Although there are many organizations nationwide that are involved in various aspects of animal and habitat protection, most are focused on “big picture” issues. Yet frequently the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow. At The Binky Foundation we recognize that the resources for starting an initiative are often the hardest to obtain. Thus, our grant program is focused on assisting young organizations seeking to take those initial steps that are critical to achieving a significant benefit or advancement toward protecting animals and their habitats. As one of the few funding organizations that considers grants to new animal welfare organizations, The Binky Foundation seeks to encourage new groups, in addition to having a passion for helping animals, to understand the hard truth that running a successful animal welfare group is also a business requiring skill sets and planning.
First Steps/Forward Steps Grant Program
Feral cats sleeping after surgery, New Braunfels Community Cat Coalition
The Binky Foundation’s offers a streamlined grant program for small recently formed animal welfare organizations – no-kill shelters, rescue groups, TNR programs and others – providing at its option $1000 “First Steps” grants to such entities meeting the program’s three-step criteria designed to help them recognize that running such an organization requires a certain level of business acumen and planning as well as a passion for animals. (See “First Steps” Grants below).
In addition, The Binky Foundation will consider follow-up “invitation only” grants to prior First Steps grant recipients that have demonstrated the value and efficacy of its business plan, and success in striving for a sustainable model (See “Forward Steps” Grants below).
Please note that the awarding of a First Steps or Forward Steps grant is solely at the discretion of The Binky Foundation.
“First Steps” Grants
The purpose of our “First Steps” Grant Program is to provide an incentive to help new small animal welfare organizations recognize the importance of business training and planning as well as passion for the animals to create a successful, long-term operation. Awards of $1000 First Steps Grants will be made, at the option of The Binky Foundation, to new small animal welfare organizations meeting all three of the following criteria within three-years of submitting its application:
- The organization has been designated as a public charity under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue.
- One or more principals of the organization (i.e., founder, officer, director, manager or key personnel) has successfully completed either (i) one or more recognized workshop or training program or a series of in-person or online seminars, or (ii) can demonstrate a comparable level of experience or education, that combines the business aspects of running a non-profit entity with specialty training in operating a similarly purposed animal welfare organization.
- The organization has prepared a purposeful Business/Action Plan, including actual and projected financial statements and budget projections, that reflects the mission, passion, planning and vision of the organization.
These criteria are more fully explained in our memorandum, “Understanding Our First Steps Grant Criteria,” (accessible here) that we encourage applicants to read before applying.
Instructions for Applying for a First Steps Grant
If you are interested in being considered for a “First Steps” grant, please follow these instructions carefully:
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- Download and read our memorandum “Understanding Our First Steps Grant Criteria.”
- Complete and submit the online application accessible here.
- Upload all required attachments, including the IRS letter designating the organization as a 501c3 public charity, evidence of training/educational requirements, and the organization’s Business/Action Plan.
- It is important for you to provide us with all the information requested to the best of your ability. All complete applications will be diligently reviewed and answered.
- Failure to provide all requested information, including complete and accurate mailing or e-mail addresses, will likely result in the rejection of an application. We cannot assume responsibility for tracking down missing, incomplete or inaccurate information.
- Snail mailed applications or requests, or e-mailed applications or requests that do not use the online application form, will not be accepted.
- The awarding of a First Steps or Forward Steps grant is solely at the discretion of The Binky Foundation.
- If you have any problems completing or submitting our application form, please e-mail us at info@binkyfoundation.org or by using our website contact form.
The First Steps Grant Application is accessible HERE.
Please note that The Binky Foundation does not pay for individual pet care, including direct reimbursement to veterinarians, or for individual medical, housing or food expenses. We urge individuals seeking such help contact local shelters or other local charitable organizations that may provide such assistance.
“Forward Steps” Grants
The Foundation will also consider awarding follow-up grants at the Foundation’s discretion to prior First Steps grant recipients that have demonstrated the value and efficacy of its business plan, and success in striving for a sustainable model. These follow-up or “Forward Steps” grants are by invitation only, and can be used to meet a specific need or needs of the organization or for unexpected or unusual operating costs. First Steps grantees that received their grants more than 12-months ago may be invited to apply for a follow-up Forward Steps grant. The email invitation will include instructions on how to apply and what information should be submitted in support. The awarding of any further grant to a prior grant recipient, and the amount of any such grant if awarded, is at the sole discretion of The Binky Foundation.
The follow-up Forward Steps grants to prior grant recipients is by invitation only. there is no application form for Forward Steps grants.