Online Grant-Application System Overview

PetSmart Charities® is now using an online application system for its spay/neuter grant process. Animal-welfare organizations that are interested in applying for a grant for clinic start-ups and expansions, targeted spay/neuter or free-roaming cat spay/neuter must complete the entire application online. The new online application has only nominal changes from the previous application in terms of the type of information that is required.

Q.	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.
Q.	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.).
Q.	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. You will also be able to save your work to come back to it later. Note: To do this, 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.
Q.	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.
Q.	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.
Q.	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.
Q.	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.
Q.	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.