ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative (NTSI) Grants

The ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative is providing grant funding to qualified nonprofit brick-and-mortar shelters and spay/neuter clinics, tribal authorities and government agencies in Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin that care for homeless animals and advance animal welfare in those states.

Grants will be distributed to those groups with demonstrated need, ability to convey grant impact, capacity to effectively absorb funding and ensure funding is used sustainably, and commitment and capability to complete the proposed projects.

Granting opportunities will coincide with consultative services provided by a Northern Tier Shelter Initiative team member.

Please contact northerntiershelterinitiative@aspca.org to learn more about granting opportunities and consultative services before applying for a grant.

Eligible Applicants

• Established 501(c)(3) nonprofit brick-and-mortar animal shelter organizations or spay/neuter clinics, tribal authorities or governmental organizations in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Organization must be in good standing with the ASPCA, including no overdue requirements from previous grants.
• Organization must be located in one of the following seven states: Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin.
• Organization must report monthly statistics to Shelter Animals Count.
• Priority may be given to organizations with an annual operating budget of under $1 million.

Eligible Projects

Proposals will be considered to support capacity-building activities that increase and enhance a group’s effectiveness in carrying out its animal welfare mission.   These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Improve shelter of clinic capacity to improve high-quality animal care

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Medical/surgical equipment
• Equipment for humane animal housing
• Building capacity to improve standard operating protocols for prevention of disease, decreased length of stay and spay/neuter before adoption
• Technology enhancements: shelter software, computer equipment and internet access
• Foster programs (within the 7 northern tier states)
• Relocation initiative
• Salary support for new program positions (applicants must explain how the position will be sustained after the grant term ends)

2.  Community Programs

Community services may include, but are not limited to:

• Lost and found programs
• Return to owner in the field
• Pet retention programs
• Re-homing programs
• Relocation initiatives

3. Infectious Disease Outbreak Assistance

4. Organizational Development

• Board development
• Business planning
• Strategic planning

Priority will be given to projects resulting in long-term, systemic and sustainable improvements at the organization.

Grant Details

• A site visit will be required as part of the review process or as a condition of receiving the grant funds.
• Shelter or clinic consultation services will be offered as part of a grant package.

Grants will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis until grant funds are fully expended.

Apply Now

Please Note

• Applicants should have the following information available for the application:
  
  • Your organization’s Federal Tax ID/Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Most recent Form 990
  • Annual animal intake and adoption numbers

For questions about this Initiative, please contact northerntiershelterinitiative@aspca.org.  For application submission inquiries/technical difficulties, please contact the ASPCA Grants Management Team. Usual ASPCA guidelines and reporting apply.