[Elmina B. Sewall Foundation](https://www.sewallfoundation.org)

February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

$10,000–$75,000/year (typical); total program budget ~$320,000/year; 1–4 years

Supports Maine organizations improving cat and dog welfare through sheltering, veterinary care, advocacy, and efforts to keep pets with their owners.

2027 cycle details are anticipated; recent cycles have been invitation-only due to limited new funding.

--- ## Description The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation's Animal Welfare Grants support organizations in Maine working to enhance the well-being of cats and dogs. The program aims to reduce barriers to equitable pet ownership, keep pets with their owners, provide humane sheltering and rehoming, increase access to affordable veterinary care, advocate for animal welfare, and humanely control pet populations. Priority is given to under-resourced organizations and those offering community supports to keep animals in homes and out of shelters, especially through collaborative efforts that serve both animal and community needs. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Total available funding: approximately $320,000 per year (recent cycles) - Typical grant sizes: - Animal Shelters: $10,000–$50,000 per year (1–3 years) - Field Building: $25,000–$75,000 per year (1–4 years) - Social Services: $10,000–$50,000 per year (1–3 years) - Pet Population Control: $10,000–$50,000 per year (1–3 years) - Operating, project, and capital requests will be considered. - In recent cycles, most new grants have been invitation-only due to multi-year commitments. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must be working in Maine and focus on the well-being of cats and dogs. - Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or organizations with a fiscal sponsor. - Priority is given to: - Under-resourced organizations and those serving rural/under-resourced communities - Groups providing community supports to keep animals with owners (e.g., pet food pantries, veterinary assistance, crisis sheltering) - Collaborative efforts addressing both animal and community needs - Animal shelters should be licensed with Maine's Animal Welfare program. - Fiscal sponsorship is permitted; sponsors become the legal grantee. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s [online portal](https://sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login). - Invitation-only process anticipated for the next cycle; interested organizations may wish to contact the Foundation to discuss eligibility. - Only one application per organization per calendar year is permitted. - Required documents may include a project/operating budget, recent financial statements, and (if applicable) a fiscal sponsorship agreement. - Do not submit IRS 990 forms. - For technical questions, contact Laura Dover (ldover@sewallfoundation.org); for program questions, contact the Animal Welfare Community Partner (see below). --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that build strong networks, change systems and policy, pilot innovative programs, and provide direct support to rural and under-resourced animal welfare groups. - Recent years have seen limited flexibility for new applicants due to multi-year grant commitments. - Multi-year proposals are considered; organizations with active multi-year grants should wait until their current grant is completed before reapplying. --- ## External Links - [Animal Welfare Program Page](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/animal-welfare) - [Application Instructions](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/application-instructions) - [2026 Animal Welfare Fact Sheet (PDF)](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/s/FactSheet_Animal-Welfare_2026.pdf) - [FAQs](https://www.sewallfoundation.org/faqs) - [Online Application Portal](https://sewallfoundation.givingdata.com/portal/login) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Animal Welfare Program | [animalwelfare@sewallfoundation.org](mailto:animalwelfare@sewallfoundation.org) | 207-865-3810 | | Technical Support | [ldover@sewallfoundation.org](mailto:ldover@sewallfoundation.org?subject=Online%20Application) | |

Animal Welfare Grants

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