The Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant program is one of the assistance programs from the American Humane. It is a solid proof of their continuous effort in reducing the number of animals that have to be euthanized every year.
Statistically speaking, in the United States there are approximately 3.4 million cats and dogs that cannot find a new home, which makes the animal shelters have to take drastic measure to euthanize them. However, even though it sounds like a big number, this is actually a big leap of improvement. Back in the 90s, there was four to six times the number of animals euthanized. On the other hands, many organizations think that the number can be pushed even lower, and they are dedicating their time, effort and money to do it.
How to Apply Mecham Foundation Memorial Grant
The Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant was established in 1969 to honor Ms. Tressa Meacham. Its purpose is to provide financial support to agencies for expanding or improving their shelters.
This grant can be used for various projects, including:
- Enhancing animal environments
- Purchasing veterinary care equipment
- Acquiring spay/neuter equipment
- Renovating kennels or catteries
- Supporting capital campaigns
- Buying equipment that improves animal welfare in shelters
Grant funds are available to enhance the quality of care for animals. Grants are available in amounts up to $4,000, but an agency can receive a maximum of $4,000 per fiscal year. The grant guidelines do not cover support for individuals, businesses, or corporations.
The eligible agencies cannot use the Meacham Grants to cover operating budgets, reduce deficits, purchase vehicles, fundraise (e.g., through gift shops or thrift stores), or for routine maintenance. For construction or capital improvements, the receiving agency must either own the property or hold a long-term lease with at least five years remaining.
Organizations that receive funding must account for the use of the grant money according to the proposal. After completing the project or one year from the award date (whichever comes first), the grantee must submit a report. The report contains the allocation of the funds, along with photographic evidence or other documentation of the improvements or purchased equipments. Additionally, a plaque or other permanent acknowledgment of the award must be displayed by the recipient organization.
Steps to Apply
Here are the steps to apply for Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant:
Before submitting an application, applicants must ensure they include all the required documents. If any of these documents are missing, the application is incomplete. The required documents are:
- A copy of the 501(c)(3) determination letter
- A completed application form
- A signed general release
- A detailed description of the project plan, including its impact on both the animals and the agency/organization
- A project budget proposal with quotes and estimated costs
Organizations may need to provide receipts, invoices, and other supporting documents as part of their report. Additionally, all submitted materials, including photographs, will become the property of American Humane. Organizations cannot take their submitted materials back.
Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant – The Options
One of the foundations that keep on trying to reduce the number to zero would be the American Humane Society. They have various programs, including grant programs, and one of the grant programs would be the Meacham Foundation Memorial grant.
This is a grant that gives out up to $4,000 for animal shelters so that the shelters can improve the quality of the care for the animals there. Both public and private animal shelters may apply for the grant, and it is for renovating the shelters or purchasing new equipment for improved care such as neuter equipment, renovation of cattery or kennel, and environmental enrichment for the dogs or cats.
It is important to remember that the money obtained is not meant as additional money to add the shelter’s budget, to reduce the debts, or to pay for a vehicle. Organizations that are going to use the money for renovation must own the property or have a long-term lease.
The organization that has received the funds must provide proofs such as documented photos and financial report that they have completed the project at least one year after receiving the grant money. We highly recommend that you keep all the receipts, invoices and other necessary documents because the foundation may ask for the copy of them.
As we have mentioned earlier, there are several grant programs coming from the American Humane Society. The Meacham Foundation Memorial animal shelter grant is only one of them. Below are the two other grant programs from the same foundation:
Second Chance Fund
http://www.thesecondchancefund.org/
This grant is for animal shelters that need money to pay for rehabilitation and medical expenses for abused animals. The grant awarded is up to $2,000 per fiscal year per agency.
Red Star Emergency Grant
http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/professional-resources/for-shelter-professionals/grant-programs/red-star-emergency-grant.html
As the name suggests, this is a grant for animal shelters that experience some kind of emergency situation and need emergency support for the animals. Just like the Second Chance Fund, this grant award is up to $2,000 per fiscal year per agency.
If you have a big interest of applying for one of the three grant programs available from the American Humane Society, you can contact them via email to info@americanhumane.org or call them at 1-800-227-4645.
I hope your animal shelter won the Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant!
Summary
American Humane administered and created the grant in 1969 in memory of Ms. Tressa Meacham. Its goal is to offer financial support to agencies for expanding or improving their shelters. To apply, agencies must be members of American Humane and operate a physical facility where animals are sheltered. They should primarily care for dogs, cats, and/or horses and have an adoption program to place animals in private homes.
Grants are available for projects that enhance animal environments, such as construction, physical improvements, capital upgrades, and purchasing veterinary or spay/neuter equipment. However, for capital improvements or construction, the applying agency must either own the property or have a long-term lease with at least five years remaining.
Submit your applications between January 1 and the end of February. For more details and to access the application, visit the American Humane website.
References:
- Meacham Foundation Memorial Grants – http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/professional-resources/for-shelter-professionals/grant-programs/meacham-foundation.html
- Meacham Fund Grant – http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/professional-resources/grants/
- Image: turlitava.com
- https://philanthropydelaware.org/event-3810976
- https://www.snpo.org/publications/fundingalert_details.php?id=1582
