Grants FAQs

If you are interested in applying for a PetSmart Charities targeted or free-roaming cat grant, we strongly encourage you to view the following updated recorded webinars:

Navigating PetSmart Charities' New Online Grant Application (there are two webinars: one for new users , the other for returning users)
PetSmart Charities’ High Impact Spay/Neuter Grants: What Are We Looking For?

Online Grant-Application System

About Our Targeted and Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Programs

About Our Other, Ongoing Programs

Follow-up Reporting and Receipts Process and Procedures for All Grants

Online Grant-Application System

Q1.	Why did PetSmart Charities switch to the new system?
A.	The new online application system will streamline the grant application process and help PetSmart Charities staff work more effectively with animal-welfare organizations that are seeking grant funding. The online system offers many special features that will improve communications during and after an application is submitted. This new online application system represents a change to the process through which grants can be submitted to PetSmart Charities, but not a change to the grant guidelines.	Top
Q2.	How will this affect me if I want to apply for a grant?
A.	If you are interested in applying for a grant from PetSmart Charities, you will need an e-mail address and access to a computer, scanner and the internet to complete your application. If you don’t have an e-mail address currently, you can get a free e-mail address through a number of Internet sites (ex. Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.). Scanning resources are available at office supply and service stores (ex. Office Max, Fed-Ex/Kinkos, Staples, etc.).	Top
Q3.	What are the benefits of the new system?
A.	The online system has many added benefits for our animal-welfare partners. Applicants will have access to a record all of grant applications submitted online, creating a history of all grant funding or funding requests.	Top
Q4.	Am I able to save the application and return to complete the application?
A.	Yes. You will also be able to save your work to come back to it later. IMPORTANT: To save your work, you will need to keep a copy of the link sent to you in the sign-up e-mail or bookmark the link to your application. If you are unable to access your application after saving, please contact technical support.	Top
Q5.	How can I be assured that my online application was received?
A.	You will receive an immediate e-mail acknowledgment confirming that your completed application has been received.	Top
Q6.	What should I do next?
A.	We recommend that you review the following link pertinent to the grant you are seeking to apply for. Each link provides a (PDF) version of the online application and will help familiarize you with the online application before you begin. View Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program Reference Application View Targeted Spay/Neuter Program Reference Application Both of the online grant applications consist of seven main sections, each of which must be completed for your proposal to be considered. 1. Contact Information 2. Organization Information 3. Organization Details 4. Organization Services 5. Request Information 6. Target Area 7. Methods and Resources Once completed, all applications created are immediately submitted to PetSmart Charities. In preparation for completing your online application, you can begin gathering the documents and information that you will need to submit. Make sure that any documents that will need to be attached (such as the form 990 or an audit) are in electronic format. You may want to begin responding to application questions using a Word or Notepad document. When you are ready to complete your application in the online system, you can cut and paste your answers from Word or Notepad directly into the online application. Note: When copying from Word, some characters may be added. Please review your answer carefully to correct any formatting changes.	Top
Q7.	What should government entities do when applying for a grant?
A.	Government entities who have not previously applied to PetSmart Charities MUST submit a request for assistance using the “need support” link in the online application system. When you request support, please include your employer identification number (EIN) and indicate which type of grant for which you would like to apply (targeted or free-roaming cat). Note: Once you have submitted the request for support, it may take up to 24 hours for an application to be sent to your organization. In the meantime, you can review the sample application available on this website and gather the information that will be needed. Using the system’s “need support” link is the fastest and best way for a government entity to obtain a link to an application. If you have used the “need support” link but are still having issues obtaining or completing the application, please let us know by contacting Brenda Najera at bnajera@petsmartcharities.org. We want to make sure that every group that wants to apply can do so. 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.	Top
Q8.	How can I get assistance with a technical issue of the online application?
A.	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.	Top

About Our Targeted and Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Programs

Q1.	Is Canada affected by the targeted and free-roaming cat grant guidelines and process used for U.S. grants?
A.	No.	Top
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.	Top
Q3.	What is a “free-roaming cat spay/neuter” program?
A.	A free-roaming cat spay/neuter grant must help you build an effective program in reducing feral and stray population in your community. The program must be efficient in its use of resources; have a measurable impact; and be sustainable for years to come (project should not “end” when PetSmart Charities grant funding runs out). See the Free-roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program page for more information.	Top
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.	Top
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.	Top
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.	Top
Q7.	How big can targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter grants be?
A.	Grant sizes for these two programs will vary between $10,000 and $100,000 annually. The need to demonstrate impact likely will result in the *average grant* being larger and the *number of grants* being *fewer* than before. Multi-year grants also will be considered for these two programs, which has not been available in our previous guidelines.	Top
Q8.	When are grant applications due?
	Grant applications for targeted and free-roaming cat spay/neuter programs in support of projects within the U.S. and U.S. territories will be accepted again February 15 - March 31, 2012. Watch this page for details.	Top
Q9.	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.	Top
Q10.	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.	Top
Q11.	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?	Top
Q12.	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.	Top
Q13.	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.	Top
Q14.	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.	Top
Q15.	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.	Top
Q16.	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.	Top
Q17.	We are a “private” nonprofit 501(c)(3) do we qualify?
A.	No.	Top
Q18.	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. We suggest you review our free webinar, Neuter Before Adoption: Tools to Reach Your NBA Goal by Kit Jenkins.	Top
Q19.	How do we report volunteer hours for collaborating organizations?
A.	If the volunteer program or volunteers who are participating are not volunteers trained and overseen by the organization requesting the grant, then you are correct in stating the number of volunteers is zero. If you are relying on volunteers from another organization you would want to include this critical information in your program description and also include how your organization would handle a need for volunteer support if the other organization did not have enough volunteers.	Top
Q20.	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.	Top
Q21.	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.	Top
Q22.	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.	Top
Q23.	When is the next grant cycle?
A.	The next application period for the targeted and free-roaming cat programs will be February 15 - March 31, 2012. Please e-mail pciprograms@petsmartcharities.org to request to be notified by e-mail when the next grant cycle application period opens.	Top
Q24.	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.	Top
Q25.	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.	Top
Q26.	What if I am a Mac user and need help converting documents?
A.	If you have a Mac computer without Microsoft® Word, please send an e-mail to pciprograms@petsmartcharities.org. We will work with you to get the application in a file that is compatible with your computer.	Top

About Our Other, Ongoing Programs

Q1.	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	Top
Q2.	What are the guidelines, processes and eligibility for these programs?
A.	Use the links above to learn more about the programs listed above.	Top
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.	Top
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.	Top

Follow-up Reporting and Receipts Process and Procedures for All Grants

Q1.	How is the process different for submitting a follow-up report?
A.	Grantee organizations are requested to submit the required reporting documents to PetSmart Charities online. Additionally, no receipts need to be submitted with the report document.	Top
Q2.	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.	Top
Q3.	Does my organization still need to retain receipts for all PetSmart Charities grant-related expenses?
A.	Yes. Although PetSmart Charities does not ask for receipts when submitting the report info, we do retain the right to request additional information or documentation if we have questions related to the project or require further verification of all project expenditures. For additional information, please refer to your signed Grant Agreement.	Top
Q4.	What type of receipts need to be retained?
A.	Typically, project expenses relate to the number of spay/neuter surgeries performed during the grant period. To verify the expenditures for spay/neuter surgeries, the program manager will ask the grantee organization to provide documentation showing the number of surgeries performed in-house and multiply this by the agreed upon average cost per surgery as referenced in your grant statement. Calculating the average cost per surgery by the total number of surgeries performed provides verification of the grant funds expended. If the spay/neuter surgeries are performed by an outside veterinarian or clinic, the grantee organization would need to retain the actual receipts from the spay/neuter providers for the surgeries performed. If the project also included expenses outside of the number of surgeries performed (e.g. purchase of traps, consumables, etc.), please retain the receipts for such purchases. If you have any question about the type of expense-related information you should retain, please contact your program manager.	Top