Grants FAQs

Q1.

What should government entities do when applying for a grant?

A.

Government entities who have not previously applied under PetSmart Charities online grant system will be required to provide official documentation of their “Federal” tax id number before they will be allowed access into the grant system.  A “governmental information letter” can be obtained free of charge by contacting the IRS at 1-877-829-5500 (may take 10-14 business days to receive).

If you are a government entity that has previously applied “online” and are unable to access the online application, please contact Brenda Najera at bnajera@petsmartcharities.org. 

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 Q2.

How can I be assured that my online application was received?

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 Q3.

How can I get assistance with a technical issue of the online application?

You can click on the following link: technical support to e-mail technical support for help with any questions about the online application system’s functionality. Technical support is only available via e-mail.

Additionally, we strongly encourage you to review the recorded webinars: Navigating PetSmart Charities' New Online Grant Application (there are two webinars: one for new users , the other for returning users)

Each of these webinars has been updated to respond to the typical questions and issues applicants have previously experienced. The content for each webinar is different depending on if you have already registered as a CyberGrants user for PetSmart Charities or not.

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Q1.

Is Canada affected by the targeted and free-roaming cat grant guidelines and process used for U.S. grants?

A.

The High Impact Spay/Neuter grants are limited to agencies based in the U.S. and U.S. Territories and are not available in Canada at this time.

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 Q2.

What is a “targeted spay/neuter” program?

A.

• A targeted spay/neuter program identifies a segment of population that has a critical need (a “target” population), which could include a ZIP code, neighborhood or other geographical area that generates the most shelter intake, a specific breed of dog or cat, a human demographic, or other criteria.
• You must provide data to demonstrate critical need, such as shelter intake, euthanasia data, community assessment and anecdotal data, and must be able to show that the project will make a significant difference in the problem; data at end of project will be required so impact can be measured. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate sustainability of the project at the end of grant funding (project should not “end” when PetSmart Charities grant funding runs out).

See the Targeted Spay/Neuter Program page for more information.

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For purposes of the grant, a free-roaming cat is any cat who is wandering freely and is not confined either in a home or fenced-in area. If the cat is unaltered and potentially contributing to reproduction in the free-roaming cat population, he or she is eligible for spay/neuter using grant funds.

See the Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program page for more information.

 Q4.

How is the process different from the way PetSmart Charities® funded these types of programs in the past?

A.

• No state deadlines – Prior to the Fall of 2009, applications were due from organizations based on your home state. Now, organizations interested in targeted spay/neuter or free-roaming cat funding will be applying at the same time, across the United States.
• Application form – Applicants are being asked to provide more in-depth information to spell out the problem, the plan and evaluation measures. Additional information about the group, its board of directors and financial results is also being requested. The new application will help our program managers assess the potential for a group to follow through on the project and the likelihood that the project will make the intended difference.
• Follow-up reports – Reports will require data that helps complete the “before and after” picture – whether the size and scope of the problem was changed as a result of the grant and whether the group was more effective in its work because of the grant and mentoring provided by PetSmart Charities.

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 Q5.

How are the guidelines different from the way PetSmart Charities funded these types of programs in the past?

A.

• The biggest difference is in our intent. Prior to the Fall of 2009, grants supporting targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter were used to provide substantial benefit to the community through sterilizing thousands of pets. The intent going forward is to link that benefit to a measurable impact.
• To achieve that, we aim to provide funds to groups that can identify a significant problem or opportunity in your community, show us data to verify the problem, present a plan that will be concentrated enough to make a difference, take advantage of training and mentoring during the project to make the most of the grant, and, at the end of the project, collect and report data to assess whether the effort had the intended result.

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 Q6.

Why did PetSmart Charities change the way it funds these two programs?

A.

• It’s about increasing impact by focusing on specific problems and measuring the results – making sure that spay/neuter work in the community happens in a way that reduces the birth of unwanted pets. 
• To be sure, all the spay/neuter supported before was good. We believe more progress can be made by being more focused on specific needs, areas or pets you are trying to address and by providing more mentoring and training to help groups be more effective. In addition, gathering data that measures the impact of your work helps build local interest in and appreciation for what you are trying to do.  It also helps us understand how much spay/neuter is needed to make a difference, identify approaches that work better in some types of situations than others, collect and share ideas across the field.

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 Q7.

How big can targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter grants be?

A.

Grant sizes for these two programs can be up to $100,000 annually for up to two years ($200,000 maximum).  Please keep in mind that the amount requested should be proportionate to your organization's annual revenue.  For example, a group with annual revenue of $50,000 should not request a $100,000 grant.

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 Q8.

Do I need permission to apply for a grant?

A.

For the targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter programs, you do not need to speak to a program manager or obtain permission before submitting your application. Applicants are encouraged to review the grant requirements in order to determine eligibility.

See the Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program page for grant requirements.
See the Targeted Spay/Neuter Program page for grant requirements.

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 Q9.

If I received a grant from PetSmart Charities previously, am I eligible to apply for a targeted or free-roaming cat spay/neuter grant?

A.

If you have previously received a targeted spay/neuter or free-roaming cat grant and your follow-up report has been received, you are eligible to re-apply.

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 Q10.

If my application was declined, am I eligible to apply for a grant at the next available application period?

A.

Yes. If you received an e-mail notification that your request was declined, you are eligible to re-apply during the next open application cycle starting. Prior to re-submitting an application, we strongly encourage you to review the grant requirements and updated webinar: PetSmart Charities’ High Impact Spay/Neuter Grants: What Are We Looking For?

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 Q11.

How much can my group request?

A.

For targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter, there is no minimum or maximum amount that you must apply for; however, it is recommended that you have experience running a program of the size that you are requesting.

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 Q12.

Does my organization need to submit audited financial statements?

A.

If you are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with income during the last fiscal year of $500,000 or more, you are required to submit audited financial statements with your application. We offer audit grants for groups that need to conduct first-time audits. Visit our Audit Grants page to learn more about this opportunity. If you are approved for a first-time audit grant, your application for a Free-roaming Cat or Targeted Spay/Neuter grant may be reviewed before the audit is completed.

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 Q13.

Does my agency have to be a PetSmart Charities adoption partner to apply?

A.

No. Applicants do not need to be in a community with a PetSmart® store. If there is a PetSmart store and a PetSmart Charities Adoption Center in the community, it is not required that the group be involved with that program to be eligible for a grant. However, grant applications are welcomed from PetSmart Charities Adoption partners.

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 Q14.

What geographic areas does PetSmart Charities fund?

A.

PetSmart Charities, Inc. funds organizations in the United States and U.S. Territories. PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc. funds organizations in Canada.

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 Q15.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply for grant funding?

A.

For the U.S. or U.S. Territories
The following groups are eligible to apply for grants from PetSmart Charities, Inc.:

• Nonprofit organizations (public charities) with 501(c)(3) status, a pre-determination or decision letter from the IRS and at least 12 months of financial records after date of incorporation.  PetSmart Charities typically does not fund private foundations.
• Government, law-enforcement, educational institutions or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control.

For Canada
The following groups are eligible to apply for grants from PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc.:

• Nonprofit organizations with registered Canadian charity status and at least 12 months of financial records after date of incorporation.
• Government, law-enforcement or tribal entities with a budget for animal care/control.
• Nonprofit educational institutions.

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 Q16.

We are a “private” nonprofit 501(c)(3) do we qualify?

A.

No.

 Q17.

Does neuter before adoption qualify under the targeted grant guidelines?

A.

The targeted spay/neuter grant program identifies a segment of the community (geographic, demographic or animal specific) that has a critical need for low-cost spay/neuter services for owned animals. This critical need must be documented by a combination of indicators that may include shelter intake and/or euthanasia data or other assessments. We may also consider anecdotal evidence of a need if you can provide an explanation on how you plan to measure the impact.

If you are seeking funds for spay/neuter services for your organization’s animals prior to releasing them to adopters, the high impact targeted spay/neuter grant program would not be the applicable grant program.

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 Q18.

If we have submitted or recently received a clinic equipment grant can we apply for a targeted or free-roaming cat grant?

A.

If you meet the grant requirements for targeted spay/neuter grants you may apply for a targeted spay/neuter grant in addition to the spay/neuter equipment grant request. You cannot apply for both a targeted and free-roaming cat grant at the same time.

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 Q19.

Can multiple organizations collaborate together on a targeted or free-roaming cat spay/neuter grant?

A.

Yes, we encourage organizations to work together in their community to define an area where a measurable impact can be made through spay/neuter. Grant requests for higher dollar amounts or over multiple years are very competitive and organizations who work together to create a plan for their targeted area have a better opportunity for being funded. One agency would need to be the lead agency/fiscal agent and applicant for the proposed program. Responsibilities of the collaborating organizations and the roles they support in the targeted proposal may be further detailed in the application proposal to illustrate the collaboration.

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 Q20.

Can we target more than one area/ZIP code/demographic, etc. Can we use police reports if there is no shelter?

A.

Yes, you may include multiple ZIP codes or counties if the expanded area is an area with a critical need and where your organization feels they can make a measurable impact. A critical need is demonstrated by a combination of indicators that include shelter intake and/or euthanasia data or other assessments. Baseline statistics should be submitted with your grant application and information on how you plan to measure the impact you are making in your targeted area. Police reports may be used to obtain the data you need for your assessment. If the police reports include information on animals being turned over to the shelter and/or euthanized along with information that indicates that the animals are from within your targeted area then these documents could provide you with the data you need to do your assessment of critical need.

Reminder: Grantee organizations will be required to supply data at the beginning and the end of the project and for a specified timeframe following the grant to help determine the ongoing effects of the targeted program. You should be specific in identifying your targeted area. Rather than stating “low income pet parents.” consider being more specific in exactly which area you are targeting (e.g. ZIP codes, county name(s), neighborhoods, dogs or cats, etc) so you can provide the detailed data to show the need and impact.

In addition to the above, the final program proposal must include a detailed plan to reach the targeted community, the resources in place to provide the surgeries and the plan to make the outreach to the targeted community sustainable beyond the timeframe of the grant. Your proposal should take into consideration the scope and size of the area you are proposing to target and your organization’s resources available to manage the proposed program.

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 Q23.

Can I call or e-mail PetSmart Charities to get information on the status of my grant application?

A.

No, due to the high volume of grant requests we receive we are unable to provide you with information on your grant via e-mail or phone. Once your grant application has been received you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Subsequent e-mail notifications will be sent out regarding the status of your request.

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 Q24.

Who do I contact if I do not receive an e-mail confirmation that my grant application has been received?

A.

All grant confirmation e-mails are sent automatically through the online grants software. Please check your spam e-mail or junk e-mail to make sure the notification was not blocked. If you did not receive a confirmation e-mail you may contact us at pciprograms@petsmartcharities.org. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

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How can I find out more about…

A.

• Webinars 
• The in-store adoption program (U.S. and Canada)
• Emergency relief grants (U.S. and Canada)
• Conference sponsorship (U.S. and Canada)
• Other grants in Canada
• Equipment grants for starting or expanding a spay/neuter clinic
• The Rescue Waggin’® program

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 Q2.

What are the guidelines, processes and eligibility for these programs?

A.

Use the links above to learn more about the programs listed above.

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 Q3.

Are there deadlines for each state or province?

A.

• No. There are no longer state-specific deadlines for any of our programs, and there have never been province-specific deadlines for grants in Canada.
• There is no application deadline for the in-store adoption program, emergency relief, conference support, spay/neuter clinic equipment grants or the Rescue Waggin’ program. Applications for these programs are accepted year-round.

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 Q4.

Do I need permission to apply for any of these other programs?

A.

The answer varies. Please refer to the appropriate link for each program to learn more.

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What is the process for submitting a follow-up report online?

A.

The manner in which grantee organizations submit the report documents may be different depending on if you are a registered CyberGrants user and when the grant was awarded. Grantee organizations will be notified when the report documents are available – approximately two months prior to the report due date. Additional instructions on how to access and submit the report will be provided within the e-mail notification. Otherwise, your program manager will be contacting you directly.

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 Q3.

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 Q4.

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