news and reports

Twenty-one years ago, we created and funded The Binky Foundation as a way for us to vet and support organizations dedicated to saving animals and their habitats.  Over the years we realized that with our limited resources, both financial and organizational, we were best suited to serve small animal welfare groups just starting rather than more established groups requiring substantial funding and less guidance.  This ultimately led to our First Steps grants program, providing grants to new small animal welfare organizations based on the premise that their long-term sustainability depends on training, education and — most importantly — planning. Over the past five years, The Binky Foundation has awarded First Steps grants to almost 200 groups meeting our three basic requirements: (i) it is small and new, (ii) has appropriate experience and/or training, and (iii) has a purposeful plan to fulfill its mission.

An Ending . . .

The Binky Foundation has been one of the few organizations providing grants to newly created animal welfare organizations. Unfortunately, the unique nature of our First Steps grant program has now resulted in interest beyond our capacity to meaningfully attend to each request.  We have therefore made the difficult decision to discontinuing our First Steps grants program effective January 1, 2026.

And a Beginning . . .

But that does not mean we are abandoning the concept of our First Steps program.  We are proud and excited to announce our endowment of a program based on the concept of our First Steps program through Best Friends Animal Society, in our view, perhaps the most impactful animal welfare organization in the US.

The Future . . .

As Best Friends continues its nationwide efforts to save and protect animals, we are working with its Learning Advancement Team to establish the Binky Incentive Award program, which will provide grants to new small organizations dedicated to helping animals.  This program will enhance the efforts of Best Friends by promoting the importance of building towards sustainability through education, training and planning.  We look forward to Best Friends announcement of the details of its Binky Incentive Award program in the coming months.

And Playing it Forward . . .

This passing of the First Steps torch to Best Friends does not mean the end of The Binky Foundation.  We will continue our invitation-only Forward Steps program, and we will expand our efforts to provide encouragement and education for new organizations, with our focus on the importance of creating purposeful plans to achieve a sustainable future.

And, of course, we will continue our popular Remembrances page.

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We are proud of the outsized impact The Binky Foundation has achieved over the past two decades on behalf of new small animal welfare organizations. We look forward to our next chapter and to providing helpful tools for new groups to acquire the business skills and planning practices necessary for transforming a keen passion for helping animals into a sustainable animal welfare organization.

With appreciation for your support and understanding,

Michalina (“Mickey”) and Peter Bickford
Co-Founders, The Binky Foundation

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EXCITING CHANGES COMING IN 2026!

December 2025

2025 has been an eye-opener for us. On the one hand we received so many applications for our First Steps Grant Program – providing $1000 grants to newly formed animal welfare groups meeting our education, training and planning criteria – that we closed our application window a month and a half early to address the workload. Even with this shorter application window, we received 60% more applications this year than in all of 2024. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the number of applications meeting our expectations for a grant fell from 36% to less than 25%. Our analysis of the volume of applications and the drop in their overall quality has led to our making some serious decisions for the future of our First Steps Grant Program and for The Binky Foundation itself.

One of our primary concerns with the response to our criteria was the quality of our requirement for a purposeful action/business plan. We perceived that applicants were not understanding our expectations for a purposeful plan, or were using stilted, impersonal business plan templates found online. In response, we expanded and updated our website explanation of our criteria, including an update to our online memorandum, Understanding our First Steps Grant Criteria. Unfortunately, our efforts did not improve the quality of the submissions by applicants.

On the bright side, however, we received many exemplary First Steps submissions, as well as wonderful responses from prior grantees under our Forward Steps program relating their experiences in the year after receiving a grant from us: confirming to us that, if done right, our First Steps program works and can be an important factor in helping new organizations achieve their goals. (See excerpts on reverse).

As a result of our experiences this past year, both negative and positive, we are in the process of developing two sea changes: one regarding the future of our First Steps program, and the other addressing the tools available to newly formed animal welfare groups in planning to achieve a sustainable future. We look forward to announcing these new, exciting developments in the New Year.  

With appreciation from the Board for all of you who have supported us over the years,

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

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Excerpts from the submissions from 2025 Forward Steps Grant recipients:

The First Steps Grant really helped us start in the right direction and get things going! It also helped us to focus on the most important goals in our Business Plan. Starting a business has proven to be a challenging undertaking, but the First Steps Grant certainly gave us some much-needed tools and ideas.

Little J Ranch Farm Sanctuary, Cloudcroft, NM

Thanks to First Steps funding we had the space to really think through the funding problem for TnR and learned that recurring donations are typically what sustains rescue programs like this. . . . 

 I don’t think we would have formalized our business plan if it hadn’t been required by Binky Foundation to do so and the formalization of our business plan really allowed us to make our vision for a TnR program a reality.

Lucky Penny Rescue Network, Laredo, TX

I posted about the Binky Foundation First Steps award on Meta & LinkedIn. It seems to have opened the door for other donors and grants. Establishing regular donations helps Lupa Legacy become more sustainable long term. . . .

One reason we struggle with social media fundraising is because we have a policy against showing images of animals (or people) in pain and stress. Many of our clients have hoarding tendencies. Building trust takes time. This relationship could be destroyed by a picture on social media. The animals would suffer more as a result. [We at The Binky Foundation Agree with this policy!}

Lupa Legacy Animal Rescue, Noble, OK

That said, you mentioned in your letter that running an animal welfare organization is more than simply caring for animals. We seem to learn that piece of wisdom over and over! After two-plus years “on the ground,” so to speak, we have discovered many pitfalls and a generous handful of ways to succeed as well.  That structured education started when you encouraged us to take significant time and effort to produce a thorough business plan.  I’m not sure we did all we should — and we are about to revise it — but that one task was pivotal in setting us on a path with purpose. We continue to learn more with each step and often look to some of our peer organizations (who are much more established) for examples and guidance.  In turn, we are still pretty proud to share our business plan with others.

Robin’s Nest Rescue, Ramona, CA

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TWENTY YEARS OF HELPING PEOPLE HELP ANIMALS!

December 2024

Dear Friends:

It is hard to believe that we have been awarding grants to animal welfare groups for twenty years now. In that time The Binky Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to over 300 animal welfare groups and individuals for all kinds of needs and projects. For the past four years our priority has been our First Steps/Forward Steps grant program designed to recognize newly established groups for taking those steps that are important to achieving long-term sustainability in their community.

As previously reported, our $1000 First Steps grants are awarded to those newly formed groups that meet our three basic requirements: (i) it has received 501c3 status as a public charity within three years of application, (ii) its principals and/or staff have appropriate training in the business of running an animal welfare group as well as in appropriate animal care issues, and (iii) it has a purposeful action/business plan mapping its plans to achieve long-term sustainability in its community.

For 2024, we have awarded forty (40) First Steps grants out of 112 applications, a significant increase over last year’s 30 First Steps grants from 79 applications. This significant increase, we believe, is a result of a growing understanding of the value of our unique program providing grants based on planning, preparation and structure rather than the customary grants for specific or immediate needs.

In 2024, The Binky Foundation also awarded nine (9) Forward Steps grants to 2023 First Steps grantees. These grants are an important barometer for us to know if our requirements, particularly our business/action plan requirement, are helping organizations achieve their goals. We are continuously updating our website and our communications with applicants in an ongoing effort to better explain the purpose and importance of our criteria. Our reward is hearing from grantees in their own words about the lessons learned from our grant process.  See examples below (p.2).

With appreciation from the Board,

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

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Excerpts from the submissions from 2024 Forward Steps Grant recipients:

As with any startup, whether it’s for profit or non-profit, like ours. If you knew exactly how much effort it would require, how many setbacks you encounter, or even heart-ache… you probably would have never even gotten started. It’s so important to establish a vision, set a mission that envelopes the mission and cherish the smallest wins along the way. 

Happy on the Homestead, Elmer, NJ

In reflecting on our start-up experience, we have learned valuable lessons that we believe could benefit others in a similar position. The most important is details, details and then more details in our yearly plan and budget. Our journey has also taught us the importance of resilience, adaptability, and planning in navigating the challenges of starting and running a nonprofit organization.

Aiding 2 Adoption Rescue, Pocatello, ID

In the beginning, you hear “no” a LOT—almost to the point of wanting to quit. It’s a challenging process, filled with rejections until you build credibility and a solid reputation. The First Steps grant provided that crucial validation, affirming that we were on the right track and giving us hope for the future.

Silverstray Social, La Porte, IN

One of the most crucial aspects of our journey was having a solid business plan. A detailed plan provided a clear roadmap for our goals, financial projections, and operational strategies, which was essential for establishing the foundation of our organization.

Lotsa Heart Animal Sanctuary, Aiken, SC

Being awarded the First Steps grant was first and foremost, a great encouragement to us as a new organization. This award encouraged us to look for and apply to other grants and helped validate our efforts.    . . .    I do not think last year would have been as successful as it was if we had not gone through the process of preparing for the First Steps grant application. You helped set us up for success.

Claws & Toe Beans, Cleburne, TX

Overall, the First Steps grant has been transformative—not only did it strengthen our financial planning, but it also amplified our fundraising capabilities by fostering a more informed and engaged community around our cause.

Amber’s Foundation, Inc., San Juan, PR

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Dear Friends:

2023 marks the third full year of our revised First Steps Grant Program, and the second full year of our follow-up Forward Steps grants.  Our $1000 First Steps grants are awarded to those newly formed groups that meet our three basic requirements: (i) it received or applied for 501c3 status within three years of application, (ii) its principals and/or staff have appropriate training in the business of running an animal welfare group as well as in appropriate animal care issues, and (iii) it has a formal, thoughtful action/business plan mapping its plans to achieve long-term sustainability in its community.  Our Forward Steps grants of up to $1500 are awarded to the prior year’s First Steps grant recipients that demonstrate the value and efficacy of their action/business plans, and success in striving for sustainability.

Through November 2023, we awarded 30 First Steps grants out of 79 applications, about the same number as last year. On the other hand, we awarded 19 Forward Steps grants this year compared to just 5 in 2022.  This increase, in our opinion, is the result of applicants and grantees more fully understanding our program’s emphasis on planning and structure over addressing immediate needs.

The core of our program continues to be our action/business plan requirement, which also is the most misunderstood of our requirements. Apparently, it is hard for some applicants to recognize that we do not care so much for how they intend to use the grant funds. Rather we are trying to provide an incentive for new organizations to establish themselves on a proper foundation with a working plan for now and for its future sustainability.  We continue to receive too many “lip service” action/business plans, seemingly designed to give us what the authors think we want rather than providing thoughtful guides for their own use moving forward.  The value of our action/business plan requirement was succinctly stated by one of our First Steps grantees, Best Friends Together of Las Vegas, Nevada, in its submission for a Forward Steps grant:

“Our business plan served as a compass for our organization by clearly defining our mission and vision. . .  Having our vision laid out in black and white served as a north star that guided our action while also ensuring our supporters knew what we were working toward.”

We are continuously updating our website and our communications with applicants in an ongoing effort to better explain the importance of our criteria. Our reward is hearing from grantees who value the importance to them of our requirements.

With appreciation from the Board,

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

This past year continued our emphasis on helping newly formed animal welfare groups establish themselves on a proper basis. As of the first week of December, we have awarded a $1000 First Steps Grant to twenty-nine animal welfare groups in 2022 who met our simple three criteria: (i) it is a new organization (3-years or less), (ii) its principals have training or experience in the services to be provided and in running an animal welfare group, and (iii) it has a formal, thoughtful action/business plan. In our analysis of applications, we have learned to be flexible about strict compliance and to focus primarily on whether the group recognizes the value of training, preparation and planning – both organizational and financial — to achieve long term sustainability in its community.

The core of our program is our action/business plan requirement, which also seems to be the biggest bugaboo for applicants. We awarded First Steps grants to roughly one-third of applicants, with the main reason for rejection being the absence of a meaningful action/business plan. Our challenge has been to show applicants that the requirement is for their benefit, not ours, and that a short narrative or a stilted form found online is of little value. As explained on our website, “a purposeful plan should work as a living guide for the managers and overseers of an organization that can be updated and revised as circumstances warrant while keeping a focus on the mission of the organization…[W]e want to hear your voice in the plan.”

The value of the action/business plan requirement is best described by our grantees themselves. The excerpt below is from the application for one of our follow-up Forward Steps grants awarded to a prior First Steps grant recipients:

“Time and time again, I have returned to our business plan when applying for grants to use the graphics, narrative and market information to write a compelling proposal. I’m so appreciative that your First Steps Grant program required a business plan. The upfront investment of our time to write a business plan has repaid itself over and over in our first 18 months of operations and I highly recommend that all organizations, especially non-profits, go through that process.” Shannon Blake, Wolly Kitten Club

Thank you, Shannon, and thanks to all of you for your interest in our efforts on behalf of new animal welfare groups. With appreciation from the Board,

With appreciation from the Board,

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

Our grant programs have evolved over the years to focus primarily on new organizations unable to obtain funding from mainstream funding sources.  This year we completed the transition to be totally focused on helping new organizations get established on a proper basis to achieve long-term sustainability. Our $1000 First Steps grant criteria have been simplified to three basic requirements: you must be a new organization (3-years or less), have training in the business of running an animal welfare group as well as in appropriate animal care issues, and have a formal, thoughtful business plan.

This year we also implemented a new Forward Steps grant of up to $1500 to be awarded 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.  First Steps grantees that received their grants more than 12-months ago receive an email invitation in due course to apply for a follow-up Forward Steps grant by providing a narrative on the value of proper training and planning and sharing their thoughts on their start-up experiences.  Most rewarding are comments recognizing the value of planning that our grant programs emphasize.  As one of our Forward Steps grantees stated in its application: “Producing the business plan forced us to define some short-term goals and bench marks to use in measuring our progress.” . . . “The business plan also proved useful in opening doors to grant applications.”  And another grantee stated: “We will be eternally grateful to the Binky Foundation for the early support we received when launching our organization.”

Comments like these and others confirm the value of our programs and provide gratifying support for the criteria we have developed.  Thank you for your interest in our efforts on behalf of new animal welfare groups.

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We continue to update our website (https://binkyfoundation.org/) and our pet remembrance page remains as popular as ever.  We would love to hear from you with your comments about our website or on any other aspect of our mission.  Many thanks for your continued interest in our efforts.

With appreciation from the Board,

Michalina Bickford

Kathleen Bickford Berzock

Peter Bickford

As reported in our annual letter last December, we learned over the years that there are many passionate, well-intended people wanting to start an animal welfare group but do not fully understand the business or financial aspects of successfully running such a facility. This was the basis for our introducing, in the fall of 2019, our new, simplified First Steps grant program designed to provide a start-up $1000 grant to new animal welfare organizations (rescue groups, sanctuaries, shelters, etc.) that have invested in appropriate training and have a plan to achieve sustainability. In the year since inception of the program, through November 2020, we awarded 24 First Steps grants out of 52 applications received.

We have had a very busy 2019! Before our current windows were opened November 1st, we had awarded 39 grants totaling $50,483.45, primarily to groups whose applicants were carried over from the over 300 applications received in the fall of 2018. Over the summer we undertook a total review of our program criteria, our online application process and our website. As a result we made a number of changes, including the introduction of our new streamlined “First Steps” program for fledgling groups.

Our First Steps Grant Program continues to introduce us to amazing people across the country who are devoted to help protect and care for animals of all sorts and often under incredibly challenging conditions. We know we cannot help them all, but we try to focus on those with the greatest need and the greatest potential, particularly newer organizations seeking sustainability.

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!