To help control the flow and quality of grant applications, for the past two years we have required submission of letters of inquiry (LOIs) for permission to submit complete applications. While this process may have reduced the number of applications that did not meet our criteria, it has not stopped the cascade of letters of inquiry!
2017 marked the continuation of our emphasis on smaller, more focused grants, during which we awarded 52 grants to organizations in 29 states plus the District of Columbia (a first!) totaling almost $90,000.
Our grantees continually remind us that the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow. So it is with great pride that we acknowledge each of our 2017 grant recipients.
First Step Grants
Just shy of his 15th birthday, sweet little James lost his brave fight against cancer and made his journey across the rainbow bridge. James came to Amy Sancetta as a rescue from a litter on an Amish farm. In Amy’s words, “He has been the absolute light of my life. . . . My best friend all these years, he followed me around like a little sheep. This summer we were able to take him on a bucket list trip to see family, friends and the ocean for the first time, and he had an absolutely wonderful time. We’ve been so blessed to have James in our lives, and right now it’s hard for me to picture life without him. I won the animal lottery when James chose me and I brought him home all those years ago. He will be part of my heart forever. I’ll love you forever, little buddy.” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, September 2017.
In memory of April Rivkin’s wonderful 18 +/- year old cat Wendell. “About 15 years ago we wanted to adopt a second cat, and Stephen had a “thing” for Maine Coons. However when the County Shelter suggested we might like this Norwegian Forest Cat, we fell in love. Wendell was big, funny, and thrived being the center of attention. Until three weeks ago, Wendell literally greeted every person who came into the house; he was definitely the host with the most! If ignored, he would tap, tap, tap you with his right paw until petted. Sometimes a bully with the other felines, he always charming with humans. In his youth he was quite the handsome guy who loved to play fetch with a crumpled piece of paper, chase laser lights, sun himself on the porch, and EAT. What a personality!” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, July 2017.
In memory of Sparkle Juice Rowe, constant companion and best buddy of Susan Rowe for 16 wonderful, loving years. “She remains in my heart forever with her two wonderful predecessors. The Rainbow Bridge must be a heavenly place to receive such beautiful doggy souls.” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, July 2017.
In honor of Caledonia, Friend and companion of Linda Bickford for 22 years. “You rescued me 22 years ago when you literally walked into my life at just 6 weeks old, and remained by my side through many ups and downs including two cross country moves homelessness and cancer. You were always there for me with love and kisses through all our trials and accomplishments.You are now, and will ever be so missed….until we meet again my dear friend, rest in peace….” Remembrance donations by Linda Bickford, Jon and Jeanne Bickford and Peter & Mickey Bickford. June 2017.
In memory of Cassandra who at age 14 passed from her forever home to the Rainbow Bridge. She was Joan Scheier’s best friend and they shared many adventures together, many of which were documented in Cassandra’s yearly wall calendar. Photos of her birthday parties, holiday celebrations, visits from friends and family, even a visit to the vet were documented for the lucky recipients of the calendar to enjoy every day, particularly by Joan. Of all of the photos taken of Cassandra over the years, Joan has chosen this one for her remembrance: “Found this photo in my files . . . reminder of her first day home . . . I of course will remember all the days.” Thanks for the memories, Cassandra. Your friends and family, all fans, will miss you. Remembrance donations by Joan Scheier, Blanche Visalli, Janet Miller and Mickey and Peter Bickford, June 2017.
Our sweet, funny, lovable little Lucee crossed the Rainbow Bridge on May 1st to join her brother, Max (see September 2016 below). Lucee was such a special little girl, rescued from an abandoned house where she was left with no food or water. We fell in love with her the minute we saw her and adopted her on the spot. She loved everyone, especially her family, and we feel so blessed to have had her in our lives for 10+ years. We miss playing with her, watching her chase squirrels around the yard, and snuggling with her at night. We miss her somewhat naughty (always funny) little antics, and we know that our first trip this year will be bitter sweet without Lucee snuggled up in the backseat of the truck. True to her lively spirit, she fought her cancer bravely, and saying goodbye was one of the most heart-wrenching things we have ever had to do. While she is no longer physically with us, she will live in our hearts forever and we will do our best to honor the unconditional love and trust she placed in us from day one. Remembrance donations by Lucee’s parents, Jeanne and Jon Bickford, and by her aunt and uncle, Mickey and Peter Bickford.
Judy and Steve Bass found little Zippy dumped at a local park. “She was about six months old, loving and lovable, trusting, and adorable. She became a part of our lives and stayed with us for almost 17 years. Zippy was a gracious dog. She’d jump into anyone (everyone’s) lap and share her kisses. When she was young and full of zip, Zippy would use her nose to push a tennis ball down a staircase, race down after it, and be back in a flash to do it again. She was also content spending the day in the yard, sniffing and exploring, searching for gifts from the raccoons she would savor. She had a favorite seat in the RV where with the door open, she could look out on the world, sniff the air, and take in a little sun, even if she was just looking out on the driveway. And that was her last happy view of the world. Our hearts ache with the emptiness.” Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, March 2017.
2016 marked the continuation of our emphasis on smaller, more focused grants, during which we awarded 53 grants to organizations in 26 states totaling over $90,000. Our grantees continually remind us that the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow. So it is with great pride that we acknowledge each of our 2016 grant recipients in alphabetical order:
First Step Grants
| A Cat’s Friend, Inc. |
VA |
Shelters & feeding stations for Operation Hood |
| Addison County Humane Society |
VT |
Medical equipment for clinic |
| Advanced Canine Education (A.C.E.) |
VA |
Shelter Dog Swim Program |
| A Feral Haven |
MI |
Cat shelters |
| All About Animals Rescue, Inc. |
AZ |
Medical equipment for clinic |
| Begin Again Horse Rescue, Inc. |
NY |
Construction of horse stalls |
| Bliss Animal Haven |
GA |
Growing the Dream Project |
| Blue Collar Rescue, Inc. |
FL |
Cage bank system for puppy rehab |
| Bound Fur Life Foundation |
KS |
Computer equipment for start-up |
| Camano Animal Shelter Association |
WA |
Dog kennel improvements |
| Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary |
NC |
Construction of aviaries |
| Cat Depot |
FL |
Intensive Care Units |
| Cat Haven Rescue, Inc. |
FL |
Intensive Care Units |
| Catnip Casa Cat Refuge |
TX |
Condos & flooring for Respite Care |
| Central Texas Tortoise Rescue |
TX |
Fencing for quarantine area |
| Cheaha Regional Humane Society |
AL |
Fencing for quarantine area |
| Cottontail Cottage Rabbit Rescue |
ME |
Outdoor Rabbit Enclosure |
| Dimond L Ranch Equine Rescue |
NV |
Shelters for rescued newborns |
| Equine Assistance Project, Inc. |
CA |
Phase I-Arena Improvement Project |
| Feral Cat Solutions of Chapin, Inc. |
SC |
Storage building for facility |
| Field of Dreams Horse Rescue & Adoption |
IL |
Electric fencing |
| Friends of Bell County Animal Shelter |
KY |
Stainless steel bathtub for shelter |
| Friends of Felines – Kansas |
KS |
Stainless steel bathtub for shelter |
| God’s Feral Felines, Inc. |
AL |
Traps for TNR & adoption |
| Heartland Farm Sanctuary |
WI |
Potbelly Education Project |
| Here Today Adopt Tomorrow Sanctuary |
MA |
Materials for cat quarantine facility |
| Humane Society of Goodhue County |
MN |
Socialization room flooring |
| Humane Society of New Braunfels Area |
TX |
Exam room equipment |
| KittyKind, Inc. |
NY |
Rescue & adoption supplies and equipment |
| Love of Lacey Equine Rescue |
NC |
Tractor |
| Luv n Bunns Rabbit Rescue |
PA |
Air conditioners for shelter |
| Miles of Hope |
TX |
Shelter Beds |
| Out of Ashes Pit Bull Rescue |
AR |
Start-up expenses |
| Pacific Waterfowl Rescue |
CA |
Storage unit for shelter |
| Pound Buddies Animal Shelter |
MI |
Adoption room for facility |
| Prairie Fire Farms Foundation, Inc. |
PA |
Manure spreader |
| Quaint Acres Animal Sanctuary |
NC |
Materials for Adopt a Backyard Flock |
| Raptor Conservancy of Virginia |
VA |
Bird Weathering Area |
| Safe Animal Shelter |
FL |
Pet bathtub for shelter |
| Safe Haven Rescue Kennel (B.A.R.K.) |
NV |
Construction of Cottage #3 |
| San Antonio Pets Alive! |
TX |
Vetscan analyzer |
| Save The Brays Donkey Rescue |
MN |
Formation costs |
| Second Chance Dog Rescue of Iowa |
IA |
New tub for shelter |
| Silver Valley Cat Wranglers Association |
ID |
Traps & cages for Operation Catsnip |
| Southeastern Equine Rescue, Inc. |
GA |
Materials for paddock/training area |
| Southside Virginia Wildlife Center, Inc. |
VA |
Raccoon enclosure |
| Stafford Animal Shelter |
MT |
Equipment for educational Zoo Program |
| Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter |
MI |
Microchip scanners |
| Villi Poni Farm Newfoundland Pony Sanctuary |
NH |
Corral panels, fence posts & gates |
| Virginia Donkey Rescue |
VA |
Construction of intake shelter |
| Volunteers for Wildlife, Inc. |
NY |
Rehabilitation cage unit |
| Wild for Life, Inc. |
CA |
Corral panels |
