Who We Support

American Horse Council Foundation

Equine Welfare Data Collective

July 31, 2019

Awarded: $25,000

The United Horse Coalition has teamed up with several equine organizations including the American Association for Equine Practitioners Foundation, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to form an alliance to gather information and data as it relates to equine welfare. The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC) is critical to understanding the current state of the equine welfare segment and how the industry as a whole can continue to help horses in transition.

Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue

Increasing Capacity

June 24, 2019

Awarded: $275,000

Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue (HoP) is the largest and most effective equine advocacy organization in West Virginia. Operating through much of the Appalachia with a network of volunteers and partners their goal is to reach, and help, as many horses in need as possible. In addition to direct animal assistance HoP also provides equine education to owners and law enforcement. With major capital improvements HoP will utilize their current land and resources to assist more than 50% more horses in transition over the next three years, providing more at-risk horses with humane transitions and increasing adoptions in the region.

PETS Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic

Amarillo Expansion

June 13, 2019

Awarded: $275,000

PETS Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic provides high-quality, low-cost spays and neuters, veterinary services, and community-focused programs in a kind, nonjudgmental environment to ensure every pet has access to and can remain in a loving home. Their successful model has expanded from their flagship in Wichita Falls with the Fall 2018 opening of their satellite clinic in Graham, TX. The Amarillo clinic will offer low-cost, high-quality spays, neuters and wellness services to pet owners in Amarillo and surrounding communities in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle with a combined human population of around 300,000. Currently, there are no low-cost vet options and many small, rural communities surrounding Amarillo do not have access to even a full-service vet clinic. An independent stand-alone branch of P.E.T.S. in Amarillo, will fight pet over-population, save the rescues and humane society very valuable resources by lowering the cost of vet services, create employment and volunteer opportunities while increasing access to pet owners in that entire region through transport services and mobile efforts. These results will greatly impact the pet overpopulation problem in Amarillo by lowering the intake of unwanted pets and helping to keep pets in the homes that love them.

Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

On-Site Medical Clinic

May 3, 2019

Awarded: $353,000

In November of 2018 Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW), Humane Society of Tulsa (HST) and the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tulsa SPCA) announced the creation of the Coalition for Tulsa Pets. The coalition is a collaborative effort to develop and execute a community plan aimed at increasing the live release rate at Tulsa Animal Welfare as well as providing comprehensive and sustainable services for the pets in our Tulsa community. TAW, HST and the Tulsa SPCA provide services to the community in the combined areas of: sheltering, adoption, protection and enforcement, spay/neuter and other veterinarian services, transport, keeping pets in homes, community outreach and education. As a founding partner Tulsa SPCA will provide the vital component of increased access to affordable spay/neuter and veterinary services to the community and help to reduce shelter intake.

Love this Horse-Equine Rescue

Adoption Showcase

April 26, 2019

Awarded: $12,500

Misperceptions about rescued horses often prevent horse owners from considering adoption to get their next competitive mount. To dispel these myths, Love this Horse Equine Rescue in Acton, California looks to increase visibility for their adoptable horses by showing their adoptable horses in local competitions. They will increase the frequency of hunter/jumper shows and endurance races that they attend and expand their presence to Western events.

West Virginia Horse Network

Adoption Academy

April 26, 2019

Awarded: $12,500

The West Virginia Horse Network will expand an existing program designed to engage and educate first-time horse owners interested in adopting. The program will contain a ten-month course with formal lectures and demonstrations on veterinary care, training, farrier work and other basic horse knowledge. Graduates of the program will receive a $500 voucher to adopt a horse from the West Virginia Horse Network.

Drifter’s Hearts of Hope

The Annie Project

April 26, 2019

Awarded: $25,000

Drifter’s Hearts of Hope of Franktown, Colorado brought a well-trained, sweet mare into their care after finding her at a local auction. Her name was “Annie;” she wore the brand of a local dude ranch and helped forge a relationship between the two groups. The new partnership led to 35 retiring dude ranch horses safely transitioning into new homes through Drifter’s program as an alternative to auction. Drifter’s Hearts of Hope looks to expand the program, called The Annie Project, to encompass all 55 Colorado-based dude ranches and is laying the groundwork to expand the program nationally.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

Louisiana Satellite

April 23, 2019

Awarded: $100,000

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program was founded in 1992 to offer retiring racehorses a safe-haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced, caring homes. It has been New Vocations’ long-term goal to expand its capacity by opening additional satellite facilities and they now have locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and New York, helping over 400 horses safely transition in 2018. Over the last year, the program was made aware of some issues in Louisiana concerning horses going directly from the racetrack to livestock auctions. In researching the issue, it was found that there were not many aftercare options for the racetracks and racehorse owners in Louisiana. Utilizing their successful model New Vocations has partnered with Rosie Napravnik, a former jockey and ambassador for retired racehorses, to expand their aftercare services into Louisiana. The program expects to transition 50-100 horses retiring from Louisiana racetracks in the first twelve months and continue to grow its capacity with increased funding and awareness.

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare

Behavior and Enrichment Program

April 3, 2019

Awarded: $150,000

Since 2007, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and the Central Oklahoma Humane Society have partnered together with a goal of ending the needless euthanasia of healthy adoptable pets in Oklahoma City. The partnership has made great progress since 2007, when an initial live release goal of 75% was established. Together they have increased the live release rate from 25% in 2007 to 86% in 2018. The current goal is to reach a 90% live release rate in 2019. In 2018, a 90% live release rate was achieved for all categories of cats and dogs with the exception of medium to large mix breed adult dogs. Many of these dogs have minor behavior issues, are high energy, or are never taught basic manners, making them more difficult to place. These dogs typically spend longer periods in the shelter cooped up in their kennel and as a result their behavior can change for the worse. Enrichment in the form of exercise and training is needed to keep them healthy during their stay and to make them become more adoptable. Oklahoma City Animal Welfare will utilize established behavior and enrichment programs such as Dogs Playing for Life and behavior modification to help decrease unwanted behaviors and increase the adoptability of the target population.

Oklahoma City Family Justice Center

Palomar Kennel Project

March 6, 2019

Awarded: $12,500

Oklahoma faces many social service obstacles including poverty, lack of education, mental illness, substance abuse and violence/incarceration. Palomar is a group of service-oriented agencies that came together in 2016 with the vision to create a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service model where teams of professionals come together under one roof to provide coordinated services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, bullying, and human trafficking. Through a partnership with the Oklahoma Humane Society they have recently established an onsite Animal Advocate to immediately care for the animal(s) caught in the middle of family violence while the Palomar agencies take care of the people affected. Animal care includes vaccinations, spay/neuter, temporary kenneling, and a foster home until the family can be reunited with their pet(s). The addition of kennels will provide the temporary housing space for animals that come into Palomar, providing peace of mind to the families in need of assistance.

Oregon Horse Rescue

Be Mine Equine Training Grant 2019

February 26, 2019

Awarded: $10,000

The Oregon Horse Rescue (OHR) is a rescue and sanctuary that focuses on helping, healing and re-homing at-risk horses in the Pacific Northwest. With the Be Mine Training grant funds, OHR will launch the Second Chance Seniors program, providing training to up to 14 horses currently considered sanctuary residents that require groundwork and in-hand skills to become ready for adoption. Many of these horses require special care due to physical limitations, vision impairment, or age, but could be excellent candidates for adoption into private homes with the right training.

New Mexico Horse Rescue

Be Mine Equine Training Grant 2019

February 26, 2019

Awarded: $10,000

The New Mexico Horse Rescue operates out of Walkin’ in Circles Ranch, Inc in Edgewood, NM. The New Mexico Horse Rescue at WNCR rehabilitates and finds homes for abandoned, abused and neglected horses and averages up to 60 horses in their care at any time. The Be Mine Training Grant will fund the hiring of an assistant trainer to work with novice to intermediate volunteers weekly throughout the spring in preparation for the WNCR In Hand Training Competition. At the competition’s end they expect to graduate 20-25 confident, successful volunteer horse handlers to show 20-30 well-mannered, safe horses ready to find their right homes this spring and summer.

The American Saddlebred Legacy Foundation

Be Mine Equine Training Grant 2019

February 26, 2019

Awarded: $10,000

The American Saddlebred Legacy Foundation (ASLF), located in Eminence, KY, promotes and protects the American Saddlebred breed by assisting owners and creating a network for horses to safely transition into new homes. ASLF has seen a rise in young, un-started horses falling at-risk and requiring transition assistance. With the Be Mine training grant, they will hire a part time trainer to give young horses a correct foundation to excel in any discipline, providing training skills that will increase their adoptability and help keep them safe in their next home and throughout their entire lives.

Humane Society of Tulsa

Humane Society of Tulsa

February 4, 2019

Awarded: $229,400

In November of 2018 Tulsa Animal Welfare (TAW), Humane Society of Tulsa (HST) and the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tulsa SPCA) announced the creation of the Coalition for Tulsa Pets. The coalition is a collaborative effort to develop and execute a community plan aimed at increasing the live release rate at Tulsa Animal Welfare as well as providing comprehensive and sustainable services for the pets in our Tulsa community. TAW, HST and the Tulsa SPCA provide services to the community in the combined areas of: sheltering, adoption, protection and enforcement, spay/neuter and other veterinarian services, transport, keeping pets in homes, community outreach and education. As a founding partner HST serves as the Transport HUB to facilitate the movement of Tulsa animals annually to destination partners throughout the country that have available space and community demand for adoptable pets.

Mutt Misfits Animal Rescue Society

Medical Fund 2019

January 29, 2019

Awarded: $7,000

Mutt Misfits exists to help unwanted animals in situations that could lead to harm or euthanasia. They primarily focus on animals with major medical issues that are often overlooked. They work to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets in Oklahoma shelters by providing lifesaving services to pets in need. By partnering with the shelters and the public, they promote responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter, and the adoption of special needs pets.

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Equine Accreditation Program - Capacity Building Through Adoption Support

January 2, 2019

Awarded: $73,625

Since its inception, the GFAS Equine Program has grown tremendously, now supporting 117 certified equine sanctuaries, located across 30 states, and providing care for more than 10,000 equines at any one time. Strategic planning has identified building capacity at equine rescues and sanctuaries as a crucial element to increasing equine welfare across the US. Data analysis from GFAS-accredited equine facilities identified the area of increased adoptions as a logical and profound way to achieve this goal. Promoting the adoption of equines into private homes, riding programs, therapy facilities, and other appropriate facilities, and providing resources to assist accredited groups to remove barriers to adoption and to increase the proportion is a vital way for GFAS to have a greater impact on many more animals. The grant will enable GFAS to expand its equine accreditation program by 50% annually over two years.

Kentucky Humane Society

LOVE 120

December 21, 2018

Awarded: $1,241,030

To create real and systemic change for companion animals across Kentucky, the Kentucky Humane Society has developed a 3-year pilot program called “LOVE 120.” This program will provide resources and support to struggling but aspiring rural communities to help them create their own long-term, sustainable solutions to improve animal welfare and to inspire other communities to do the same. LOVE 120 is a 10-year strategy to positively impact all 120 Kentucky counties. To ensure the greatest reach, the pilot program of this state-wide initiative is divided into three regions: Eastern Kentucky (Letcher County), Western Kentucky (Graves County) and Central Kentucky (Breckinridge County). The poverty rate in these rural counties is high and accessible veterinary care and adequate sheltering resources is lacking.

Fund for Animals

Plan 4 Progress Equine Adoption Training Network Expansion

December 3, 2018

Awarded: $275,000

Forever Foundation provides equine rescue organizations across the United States with access to the Plan 4 Progress Equine Adoption training program, produced by Carter Ranch Horse. This comprehensive program has assisted over 7,000 equines by delivering hands-on training, interactive support and online learning and tracking that integrates with the daily practices of participating organizations. Program expansions will allow an additional 25 organizations to benefit from the training program, impacting thousands more horses annually.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Rural Outreach-Statewide Initiative

October 22, 2018

Awarded: $1,114,100

Eleven years ago, when the Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) was founded, the ultimate goal was to drop the "Central" and become the Oklahoma Humane Society, the premier animal welfare non-profit in the state of Oklahoma. OK Humane is designed to care for all of Oklahoma. Currently, OK Humane is called weekly, sometimes daily, to assist rural areas that do not have the infrastructure to make effective change. The proposed outreach effort will be multi-dimensional and is modeled after an innovative strategy, piloted by Charleston Animal Society, which will aim to significantly mitigate the rural crisis in Oklahoma. The OK Humane Rural Initiative will leverage the capacity for care that currently exists within the communities and help build a self-sustaining framework in each community. OK Humane will work collectively with each target community to increase the care of companion animals, increase shelter effectiveness, enhance outreach services so the targeted area is prepared for growth, decrease pet overpopulation, assist in adoption events, set up mobile spay + neuter and vaccination clinics and reduce shelter intake in the target areas through a plethora of programs.

Horses Without Humans

Increasing Capacity

October 3, 2018

Awarded: $200,000

Horses Without Humans Rescue Organization (HWH) is currently serving as the transitional home to more than 20 formerly at-risk horses. Increasing capacity includes building facilities and soliciting the equine community, as well as the general public, for financial support to be the transitional home for up to 100 at-risk horses annually. HWH has created a proven and differentiated Equine Adoption Organization that uniquely lends itself to the marketing and promotion of horses in transition.

Nexus Equine

The Spencer Project

September 10, 2018

Awarded: $50,000

The Nexus Equine Spencer Project is a program with a major emphasis on education. It is estimated that over 40% of residents in Spencer are horse owners. This project will provide multiple educational opportunities to both youth and adults on proper care, safety and housing of horses. Provision of some resources will be available for fencing, housing, hay, supplies and tack to assist owners in retention of their horses. Nexus will work with the City of Spencer to facilitate these learning opportunities and care clinics with the goal of increased participation, engagement and trust. Specific clinics will consist of veterinary clinics for vaccines, de-wormer, illness and microchip, farrier clinics and hoof care, and horsemanship clinics to educate on proper handling and behavior as well as development of riding skills.

3 Girls Animal Rescue

Adoption and Transport Facility

September 7, 2018

Awarded: $84,000

3 Girls Animal Rescue (3GAR) is a small, but growing, animal rescue working to save the animals of local municipal shelters and transport them to areas of higher adoption demand. To meet the needs of the Poteau community, 3GAR has identified a facility with a long-term lease that will give them the space to house and treat local animals while they await adoption or transport to destination partners. 3GAR projects to assist almost 800 animals annually by utilizing the new facility and their expansive foster network.

Poteau Valley Humane Society

Spay/Neuter Program

August 24, 2018

Awarded: $10,000

Poteau Valley Humane Society (PVHS) is dedicated to relieving the pain and suffering of animals through educational efforts as well as direct intervention. Through a collaborative partnership with local rescues and veterinary service providers PVHS is dedicated to providing low cost sterilization to all companion animals in their community. The overall goal of the Spay/Neuter Program is to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter thereby ultimately decreasing the need to transport pets out of state for adoption.

Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

Shelter Medicine Veterinary Development Initiative

August 23, 2018

Awarded: $1,144,675

The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) has a long-standing reputation as a global leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care, with a tradition of compassionate clinical expertise, intellectual rigor and the pursuit of innovative thinking. The Shelter Medicine Veterinary Development Initiative intends to inspire veterinary students to pursue the shelter medicine field, encourage veterinarians to engage with shelters, facilitate shelters to productively engage with the veterinary field, and provide continuing support for the veterinary shelter community. The initiative will help to bring the shelter medicine community together, integrating students early into this collaboration and encourage systematic, multifocal veterinary support for the shelter medicine field. Penn Vet will also develop a consortium with Cornell University and Tufts University to collaborate with the goal to improve knowledge of sheltering and student education in shelter medicine.

Shelter Animals Count

Platinum Sponsor

August 13, 2018

Awarded: $50,000

In 2011, animal welfare agencies created a national shelter database to provide statistical measurement of progress in animal welfare, to inspire life-saving collaboration, and to have a positive impact over pet homelessness. In 2012, Shelter Animals Count (SAC) was incorporated to share a national database of sheltered animals that provides facts to help better direct companion animal lifesaving efforts. SAC uses the Basic Data Matrix developed by the National Federation of Humane Societies. The matrix contains data points such as species, age, intake-type, intake, and outcomes of animals that come under the care of a welfare agency.

Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City

Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City

August 7, 2018

Awarded: $15,000

Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City (PFPOKC) provides free pet food and supplies to low-income seniors, veterans, homeless and those in domestic violence shelters so they can feed their pets. By helping them feed their pets, PFPOKC gives them opportunity to focus on their own food and medical needs. The pantry assists approximately 800 pets per month.

Altus Animal Welfare Association

Altus Animal Welfare Association Clinic

July 17, 2018

Awarded: $73,217.33

The mission of Altus Animal Welfare Association is to advocate for animals of the Altus Animal Shelter as well as animals within Southwest Oklahoma and to provide access to low-cost preventative care and spay/neuter services in a kind and compassionate environment to all Southwest Oklahoma pet owners. In partnership with the City of Altus, AAWA will provide spay/neuter services to shelter animals prior to release for adoption and perform trap/neuter/release services within the city of Altus.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Animal Advocate at Palomar Family Justice Center

July 12, 2018

Awarded: $87,500

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) is the largest private animal welfare organization in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma faces many social service obstacles including poverty, lack of education, mental illness, substance abuse and violence/incarceration. Animals can and are a unifying factor, but often times the animals are subjected to violence as well.

Love this Horse - Equine Rescue

Trainer Resources

June 20, 2018

Awarded: $20,112

Love this Horse - Equine Rescue is committed to increasing the number of horses they successfully place into new homes each year. To obtain this goal, they recognize the need to provide more training resources for horses in transition. With the addition of a riding/training arena Love this Horse projects they will be able to double their adoption rate and place a total of 80 horses into new homes each year.

Petco Foundation

Innovation Showdown

May 23, 2018

Awarded: $50,000

The Innovation Showdown is a collaborative project bringing the nation’s top animal welfare organizations together to invest in lifesaving innovation. Three finalists were selected to pitch live on stage at HSUS’s Animal Care Expo to the Innovation Investors representing the country’s top animal welfare organizations. Each showdown participant faces unique obstacles to implementing their innovative idea including capacity limitations, funding barriers, and logistical concerns. With input and guidance from the investors, their ideas have been shaped to implementable, scalable, and efficient projects.

American Horse Council

Equine Welfare Data Collective

May 18, 2018

Awarded: $20,000

The Unwanted Horse Coalition has teamed up with several equine organizations including The Right Horse Initiative, the American Association for Equine Practitioners, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to form an alliance to gather information and data as it relates to equine welfare. This project is critical to understanding the current state of the equine welfare segment and how the industry as a whole can continue to help horses in transition. Funding for this new project will support the dissemination of surveys and various data gathering tools, oversee input of the data into the database, manage the data in terms of upkeep and integrity, as well as be able to effectively coordinate and communicate equine welfare information to the team and alliance.

Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter

PAAS Ride to Rescue

April 10, 2018

Awarded: $203,932

Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter, PAAS, launched the Ride to Rescue program in 2016 to address pet overpopulation in rural Oklahoma. The Ride to Rescue program is a network of nearly 50 partners representing municipal shelters and rescues to collaborate on filling a weekly transport of adoptable animals to intake partner Dumb Friends League in Denver, CO. Since inception almost 3,000 animals have been saved through this innovative approach to rural sheltering issues. PAAS anticipates to transport over 2,000 in 2018. The long-term goal of the program is to promote collaborations in animal welfare, help smaller, more isolated organizations improve operations to include best practices, address overpopulation through transport, spay/neuter and humane education programs and provide quality, adoptable pets to communities in high demand.

Patrons of Oklahoma City Animal Shelter

Community Cat Program

April 4, 2018

Awarded: $120,000

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has partnered with Central Oklahoma Humane Society to implement a full-scale community cat program to increase the live release rate for cats in Oklahoma City. The program focus is on spay/neuter of all stray, or community, cats entering the shelter and returning them to the area where they were living. Sterilization and release programs have been proven as effective for managing community cat populations and the project anticipates service to 4,000 cats over the next two years.

Dumb Friends League

Harmony Equine Center Managed Admissions Program

April 4, 2018

Awarded: $600,000

In 2016 the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center implemented a successful pilot program to increase the number of equine adoptions and qualified equine adopters. Committed to continuing the existing annual operations long term, Harmony Equine Center will continue to transition at least 200 equines from law enforcement and trusted shelter partners each year. In 2018 Harmony Equine Center will launch a managed admission pilot program to open their doors to owner-relinquished horses. The pilot will include a mobile unit that will be available for in the field evaluation and transition services to include training, adoption or end of life options. The pilot program projects to assist 300-400 horses over the next two years.

Horses’ Haven

Transitioning a Sanctuary into an Adoption Agency

March 26, 2018

Awarded: $50,000

As winners of the Madi Memorial Grant, Horses’ Haven will be piloting the concept of transforming from a sanctuary to a full-scale adoption program. Grant monies will allow their trained volunteer force of 80 the space and facilities they need to put quality time into each horse in transition, moving them out of lifetime care at the agency and into good homes - thereby freeing up space to help many more horses in transition. The Madi Memorial Grant will empower Horses’ Haven to nearly triple adoptions in the first year. Horses’ Haven’s new workspace, to be named the Madi Patrick Memorial Arena, will honor Madi’s legacy by serving local youth groups such as 4-H, Pony Club, and Detroit Horse Power while simultaneously increasing the visibility of adoptable horses. Horses’ Haven is poised to inspire other sanctuaries nationwide to find innovative ways to place horses previously considered unadoptable and transform into successful adoption agencies. 

Nexus Equine

The Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover

March 16, 2018

Awarded: $50,000

The Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover is a collaboration of Nexus Equine, the horse industry and Oklahoma State University/4-H Extension. Nexus Equine will provide horses in transition to 4-H youth participants for a 90 to 120 day training period, culminating in two different showcase events. The program consists of hands-on development of horsemanship skills and incorporates educational requirements in the form of written and verbal tasks, promoting a more well-rounded and meaningful leadership opportunity for participating 4-H youth. The showcase will allow Nexus to increase adoptions by a projected 91% in their third year of operations, increasing adoptability of horses in transition and providing constructive educational opportunities to developing horsemen and women.

Charleston Animal Society

Helping Hands for Rural Paws (HHRP)

March 9, 2018

Awarded: $726,660

Charleston Animal Society (CAS) will not rest until every companion animal in the county and, ultimately the state, is cared for and pet owners have access to supportive resources and veterinary care. The two most prevalent barriers to veterinary care are accessibility and affordability, especially in South Carolina’s rural communities.  This is consistent with the plight of rural communities across the South and the Nation.  Many “forgotten” communities in outlying rural areas of Charleston County cannot access the sheltering system, veterinarians or even animal control.  By the time animal control officers respond to calls, if they are called, animals are often in critical condition.

SPCA of Texas

Equine Expansion Program

February 28, 2018

Awarded: $1,503,000

The SPCA of Texas serves the Dallas/Fort Worth and greater North Texas area as an intake and holding facility resource for horses seized from neglect and abuse investigations. Recognizing the need in equine welfare to provide better support to horse owners, the SPCA must expand their current operations and facilities to include managed admission for horses in need of transition. Expanding the SPCA of Texas Equine Program will offer options for owners to surrender horses before they fall at risk, and for potential adopters to be matched with trained horses that fit their needs. Working in partnership with The Right Horse Initiative, the SPCA projects to increase adoptions and transfers from 75 to 330 horses annually at the end of the three-year project.

Institute for Human-Animal Connection, University of Denver

Measuring the One Health Impacts of the Pets for Life Program

February 21, 2018

Awarded: $400,000

The Pets for Life as a One Health intervention research project is a collaboration between the University of Denver's Institute for Human-Animal Connection and Humane Society of the United States' Pets for Life. The Pets for Life programs will be run through mentorship agreements with four local organizations: Seattle, WA by Seattle Humane; Madison, WI by Dane County Humane Society; Granger, WA by Yakima Humane Society; and Wilder, ID by Idaho Humane Society. The community-based Research Assistants will be housed by each Pets for Life organization but will report directly to the University of Denver research team. The research will require data collection from local and state governmental and non-profit organizations, including animal shelters, animal recues and public health organizations.

Dumb Friends League

Equine Welfare Development Pilot Program

February 12, 2018

Awarded: $100,000

The equine welfare development program is a pilot program designed to create a strategic model for donor acquisition, stewardship and gift acquisition that nonprofit equine welfare agencies can apply to ensure that they receive adequate program funding to sustain an impactful equine welfare organization.

Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Client Focused Adoption Project

December 31, 2017

Awarded: $250,000

Since its founding, Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) has gone from a small non-profit sheltering a few horses to a full-scale, well-respected national rescue and rehabilitation facility sheltering 110 to 150 horses annually. All horses come through animal protection agencies from across Maryland and surrounding states. After their rehabilitation, the horses are evaluated and provided the training needed to best prepare them for adoption. DEFHR utilizes principles of natural horsemanship in an effort to help each horse realize its full potential as an equine partner.

American Horse Council Foundation

Operation Chip

December 18, 2017

Awarded: $15,000

Horses in transition can be vulnerable to getting lost in the pipeline. Ensuring these horses have a way to be tracked and either their previous, or current, owner located is critical to ensuring they lead long, safe lives, and have the opportunity to have a second (or third or fourth) career. Additional data also suggests that the demand for chips has increased 100% each year for the past four years, and 70% of respondents surveyed by The Jockey Club agreed that the U.S. should adopt microchips as means of identification for equines.

Maryland Horse Council

Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS)

December 14, 2017

Awarded: $750,000

The Maryland Horse Council (MHC), in collaboration with Days End Farm Horse Rescue, The Right Horse Initiative and other key stakeholders in the Maryland horse industry, is piloting a unique statewide equine assistance network program. The Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS) project will create a statewide safety for horses and their owners when in need of assistance, resources, surrender or end of life services. The METS program will consist of a mobile team and a network of equine veterinary and welfare professionals who will provide at home/barn assessments, assist with owner surrender or transitions, provide assistance in veterinary or end of life services as well as be an overall resource to the equine community of Maryland. The METS pilot program will be assessed over a three year period and expects to assist over 500 horses in that time.

3 Girls Animal Rescue

Training and Education

December 6, 2017

Awarded: $7,500

3 Girls Animal Rescue is a small, but growing, foster based animal rescue working to save the animals of local municipal shelters and transport them to areas of higher adoption demand. As any young nonprofit, 3GAR recognizes the need for further training and education in nonprofit management and animal welfare and will invest in their future with the courses and conventions that will give them the opportunity to learn and grow.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Fall Animal Well Fair

November 21, 2017

Awarded: $1,215

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society is the largest animal-related charity in the state of Oklahoma with the goal of eliminating euthanasia in our community. The Fall Animal Well Fair was an off-site adoption event held on October 1, 2017. Fifteen animals were offered for adoption at a reduced rate and nine of them found homes.

Kentucky Humane Society

T.R.O.T (Transport Relocation Operations Team)

November 15, 2017

Awarded: $150,000

The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) T.R.O.T Program is the winner of the first Right Idea Innovation Grant Challenge. To connect good people with good horses, KHS will create a transportation network to ensure that there is a diversity of available horses in various markets. For example, Kentucky has a large number of gaited horses, Saddlebreds and Thoroughbreds; other regions of the country have a heavy influence of other breeds.

Target Zero

Oklahoma City Region Animal Sheltering Best Practices Assessment and Fellowship

November 7, 2017

Awarded: $41,892

Target Zero helps municipal animal shelters achieve a 90% or greater save-rate through a well-established process involving a shelter and community assessment followed by a multi-year Fellowship with the goal of increasing the live release rate of animals in Oklahoma County. They will work with Oklahoma City Animal Welfare and Central Oklahoma Humane Society to identify key target areas for site visits and introductions of best practices.

Nexus Equine

Equine Angel Fund

November 7, 2017

Awarded: $50,000

The Nexus Equine Angel Fund Program exists to financially assist Oklahoma horse owners with the provision of veterinary care and other health services that are not financially feasible. The Angel Fund Program allows horses to receive the necessary care and as a result, are retained in their homes. This program will allow horse owners the option of keeping their horse and horses will not be put in at-risk situations, including but not limited to auction environments, neglect, suffering and even death. Nexus collaborates with equine health professionals to establish a team approach for the well-being of each horse in the program.

Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania - New Bolton Center

Equine Health and Welfare Lecture Series

October 2, 2017

Awarded: $25,000

Penn Vet's New Bolton Center has a deep commitment to Equine Health and Welfare, and recently received a gift which we have designated towards a Professorship in Equine Health and Welfare. This Professor will be an expert in this area, and will instruct future equine veterinarians and guide the equine community as a whole in addressing some of the horrific and complex welfare issues facing horses in our geographical location and beyond. To begin to raise awareness of some of these issues, educate the Penn Vet community about the depth and breadth of the subject of welfare, and have an opportunity to meet and learn more about the candidates and their areas of expertise, they will be holding a 7-part lecture series. Each candidate, as well as the chairs of the Professorship Search Committee will give a lecture describing their work, their philosophies, areas of research and clinical work, as well as discuss their ideas on program implementation should they be appointed as Professor.

EQUUS Film Festival

EQUUS Film Festival New York City Sponsor

September 27, 2017

Awarded: $5,000

The EQUUS Film Festival festival was created to highlight and award the diverse and creative efforts of those who artistically pay homage to the horse. The festival empowers storytellers to show the rich history and diverse tapestry of horses in human culture through equestrian content. They have feature films, documentaries, shorts, music videos, commercials, training educational materials, art and literature. As home to the storytellers of the horse world, the EQUUS Film Festival, November 17-19, 2017 in New York City, is the first event of its kind dedicated to equestrian-themed film, fine art and authors. The EQUUS Panels, EQUUS Pop-Up artist, filmmaker and literary gallery, Free Saturday family films and fun fest, Sunday tours of the Carriage Horses Stables, and a FRIDAY evening VIP Party, winding up with the WININE Award Ceremony, are all part of the festival event program.

Certified Horsemanship Association

Horse Rehoming to Certified Riding Instructors and Accredited Equine Facilities

September 13, 2017

Awarded: $14,000

Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) completed a member survey in 2016 and found that one of their members' biggest needs right now is finding good school horses for their lesson programs. Their members' primary concerns about purchasing a rehomed horse from a facility are: not having enough information on the horse's background, making sure that the horse is ready for a beginner to ride, and lastly, not having the funds to ship the horse from a different state or another part of a large state. Through a collaborative partnership with Colorado State University and Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center CHA programs will have access to a large group of horses in transition. Through this pilot program Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center will assess horses as candidates for training and Colorado State University students will be assigned qualifying horses for training.

Colorado State University Foundation

Regional Training Center for Horses in Transition

September 12, 2017

Awarded: $508,080

Building on the success of the initial pilot program Colorado State University’s (CSU) Temple Grandin Equine Center is piloting an expansion of the Regional Training Center model. The partnership with CSU will work in collaboration with the Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and will focus on training transition horses for placement in equine-assisted therapy, beginner horsemanship programs or other placement opportunities. The goal of this project is to create an infrastructure in which transition horses receive the care and training required for them to be prime candidates for non-traditional adoption or placement opportunities in therapy and/or beginner riding programs. With replication on a national scale this model has the potential to move a large number of horses through transition, allowing adoption agencies to increase their capacity to help more horses in need.

Mississippi Horses

The Safe Horse Auction and Equine Fair

August 22, 2017

Awarded: $5,000

The Safe Horse Project is a partnership of equine organizations and volunteers who want to make a difference in the welfare of horses in Mississippi. In a collaborative effort to change the way the horse industry buys and sells horses they are providing a new, innovative venue to help facilitate the movement of horses in transition. The Safe Horse Auction and Equine Fair is a one-day event that will provide a safe auction for horse owners to sell or buy as well as include local adoption agencies to offer horses for adoption. This all-day event will also include training demonstrations, a flea market, silent auction, as well as basic services including- microchipping, NIP registry, veterinary consultation, dentistry, and farrier. The event will run in conjunction with a One Day Open Shelter to provide resources or services to many horses in transition throughout the state.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Hero Awards

July 20, 2017

Awarded: $10,000

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society’s primary goal is to end the needless euthanasia of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats in central Oklahoma. Since founding in 2007, our programs have served nearly 110,000 pets. In their first 10 years we have made great strides toward this goal including increasing the live release rate from the Oklahoma City animal shelter from 25% in 2007 to 75% in 2017. Support of the Hero Awards enables the expansion of the Central Oklahoma Humane Society’s innovative and life-saving programs benefiting pets in our community.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Live Release Project Step-Down Challenge Grant

February 13, 2017

Awarded: $100,000

The purpose of the Oklahoma City Live Release Project was to introduce two new programs that would continue to increase the percent of animals leaving the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter alive. To this end, the relocation and bottle baby nursery programs were introduced in 2016. The goals for each of these programs were: 1) Relocation -- 1,500 dogs transported in year one and 1,800 in year two, and, 2) Bottle Baby Nursery -- 250 neonates in year one and up to 2,000 in year two. Both programs were designed to address populations that were at risk of being euthanized at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.

Horse Plus Humane Society

National 1-Day Open Door Shelter Project

February 8, 2017

Awarded: $156,000

Horse Plus Humane Society will expand on their pilot program-One Day Open Shelters/Last Act of Kindness Clinics and will hold twelve (12) 1-Day Open Door Shelters at various locations across the United States throughout 2017. Surrendered horses will be evaluated for adoptability. There will be no charge to horse owners for surrendering their horses. If found adoptable, the horses will be transferred to adoption partners. Surrendered horses that are deemed unadoptable will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.

Denver Dumb Friends League

Increasing Horse Placement Capacity and Qualified Adopters

February 3, 2017

Awarded: $393,736.40

This being year two of a pilot program to increase equine placements, the Harmony Equine Center will continue to work with qualified partner organizations and fine tune our program for the transfer, training and adoption of horses in transition. In addition, Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center will explore and evaluate the opportunities presented by working with Departments of Agriculture in Colorado and neighboring states as well as evaluating a partnership with the "One Day Open Shelter" events to expand the scope of the program and impact more horses in transition.

Horse Plus Humane Society

Horse Trainer/Adoption Specialist

January 18, 2017

Awarded: $30,000

In an effort to dramatically increase the number of horses adopted every year Horse Plus Humane Society recognized their need for an on staff trainer. The trainer's duty is to evaluate and train horses available for adoption and work with potential adopters to find the right horse their needs. With an on staff trainer adopters will have access to complimentary sessions with the trainer and their new horse to ensure capability and reduce potential returns to the shelter.

Horse Plus Humane Society

California 1-Day Open Door Shelter for Horses

January 12, 2017

Awarded: $12,000

Event will be held at Placer County Fairgrounds in Roseville, California. Event date is scheduled for February 19 & 20, 2017. Surrendered horses will be evaluated for adoptability. There will be no charge to horse owners who surrender a horse. If found adoptable, the horses will be available to pre-approved adopters the day of the event, or adopters can fill out an application to adopt the horse and make adoption arrangements. Surrendered horses that are deemed unadoptable by the licensed veterinarian will be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian the following day as part of the Last Act of Kindness program.

Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter

Expanding the Solution to Pet Over-Population in Rural Oklahoma

November 18, 2016

Awarded: $224,964

In April 2016 Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter was awarded a $200,000 grant to address pet over-population in rural Oklahoma. Due to their success, as well as a continued need, PAAS has been awarded additional funds to continue to expand their pet relocation program. Through partnerships and collaborations of several rescue groups in Oklahoma, PAAS has led the ongoing effort to relocate adoptable pets to other areas of high demand, including their partner Denver Dumb Friends League. They are projecting the transport of approximately 2,000 dogs in 2017.

New Vocations

Pony Club Challenge

November 11, 2016

Awarded: $230,000

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program has partnered with the US Pony Club creating an educational, incentive based challenge for Pony Club students that will increase both adoption awareness and the number of retired racehorses being moved into homes. The goal is for New Vocations to provide up to 100 free retired racehorses over a two and half year period to pre-approved Pony Club students or Pony Club Riding Centers and provide a stipend to help cover expenses associated with the care each horse.

Horse Plus Humane Society

1-Day Shelter for Horses Additional Funding

November 10, 2016

Awarded: $6,704.79

In October 2016 Horse Plus Humane Society held a 1-Day Open Shelter for horses in Colfax, WI. Due to a much greater need than anticipated, a higher number of horses were surrendered than originally projected. A total of 56 horses were surrendered, resulting in added veterinary, euthanasia and other costs.

ASPCA

Midwest Animal Relocation

September 12, 2016

Awarded: $2,207,948

The ASPCA currently operates animal relocation programs along the East and West Coasts of the United States, which this year will afford an estimated 11,000 dogs and cats with a better chance at finding a safe, loving home. They have identified additional animal relocation routes from the Southeastern and South-central states to the Midwest which would increase the number of lives that can be saved. The ASPCA estimates that once the program's components have been fully established, it will enable them to relocate 12,000 animals over a three-year period.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Humane Hero Awards Sponsor

August 23, 2016

Awarded: $10,000

OK Humane exists to save the lives of homeless pets, promote the well-being of animals and through them, enrich the communities they serve. Since 2007, OK Humane programs have served more than 100,000 pets. Their vision is to save all of the healthy and adoptable animals in their community. The funds raised through the Humane Hero Awards event will enable OK Humane to expand its innovative and life-saving programs in the community.

Oklahoma Central Humane Society

Foster Concierge Caretaker

August 9, 2016

Awarded: $35,000

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society will intake over 4,000 dogs and cats for its adoption program in 2016. Approximately 60% of those animals will be assigned foster homes. OK Humane has approximately 600 foster homes that include full-time, relief and occasional homes. The organization currently has one Foster Coordinator who is responsible for assigning the animals into foster homes and communicating with all fosters through the point of pet adoption. The duties of the Foster Coordinator include initial placement, managing foster swaps, coordinating relief fosters for weekend and vacation coverage and re-assignment of returned animals.

Horse Plus Humane Society

1-Day Open Door Horse Shelter and Adoption

August 5, 2016

Awarded: $10,000

Event will be held at Pony Tales Refuge & Rehab, Inc., in Colfax, WI. Event date is scheduled for October 16 & 17, 2016. Surrendered horses will be evaluated for adoptability. There will be no charge to horse owners who surrender a horse. If found adoptable, the horses will be available to pre-approved adopters the day of the event, or adopters can fill out an application to adopt the horse and make adoption arrangements. Other horses may be available for adoption at this event from participating rescues. Surrendered horses that are deemed unadoptable by the licensed veterinarian will be humanely euthanized the following day as part of the Last Act of Kindness program.

NEXUS Animal Welfare & Biodiversity Conservation

Nexus Global Youth Summit

May 27, 2016

Awarded: $10,000

The mission of Nexus is to catalyze new leadership and accelerate global solutions. Nexus is a global movement to bridge communities of wealth and social entrepreneurship. With thousands of members from 70 countries, they work to unite young investors, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists and allies to catalyze new leadership and accelerate global solutions. Founded in 2011, Nexus has hosted over 20 summits across six continents to connect young people from diverse backgrounds and link communities that would otherwise never meet. Nexus also conducts research and provides thought leadership to facilitate collaboration and build a global culture of philanthropy.

Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter

Addressing Rural Overpopulation Through Transport

April 13, 2016

Awarded: $200,000

Through collaboration with other shelters and rescues, Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter (PAAS) will expand their aggressive program to strengthen and grow their role as a regional resource to address the area's critical animal over-population problem in rural Northeast Oklahoma, using out-of-state transport.

Horse Plus Humane Society

Last Act of Kindness Clinic

February 10, 2016

Awarded: $10,000

1-Day Open Door Shelter & Last Act of Kindness (euthanasia) clinic for horses in Oklahoma. This will be a pilot program in the state of Oklahoma, but has been successfully done in California since 2008.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Multi-Agency Strategic Planning Session

January 24, 2016

Awarded: $2,500

It has been many years since a five-year strategic plan was completed addressing animal homelessness in Oklahoma City and clearly identifying goals and strategies for the major partners of the Oklahoma City Shelter. A 5-Year Strategy session has been planned to develop new goals and strategies for 2016-2021 that will include the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter (OKCAW) and its two largest transfer partners, The Central Oklahoma Humane Society and the Bella Foundation SPCA. The new plan will provide a roadmap for continued improvement of the community live-release rate in OKC.

Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center

Increasing Placement Capacity in Nonprofit Horse Facilities

January 4, 2016

Awarded: $442,500

The Dumb Friends League will pilot and develop programs to increase the placement rates of horses. This will be accomplished by testing various intake processes including managed-admission and transfers from rescue groups into Harmony Equine Center. The plan would include hiring additional trainers and staff to expand their training and adoption programs. Additionally, they will pilot various advertising and promotion opportunities. The results of each program will be measured to identify success of the programs and costs associated.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

December 30, 2015

Awarded: $100,000

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) was founded in 2007 to help end needless euthanasia and was one of the first in the country to formalize a relationship with its city shelter whereby both entities would work in partnership to increase the city shelter’s live release rate. An initial live release goal of 75% was established and the partnership has made great strides, increasing the live release rate from 25.3% in 2007 to 66.7% by the end of 2014.

ASPCA

ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC

December 15, 2015

Awarded: $750,000

To meet the significant needs of extremely fearful and under socialized dogs, the ASPCA opened a groundbreaking Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Madison, NJ in 2013. This innovative facility develops and implements specialized behavior modification protocols to help dogs overcome their tremendous fear. They learn to become comfortable being a pet, including interacting with humans, going outdoors and walking on a leash.

Central Oklahoma Humane Society

Oklahoma City Live Release Project

December 1, 2015

Awarded: $329,336

The Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) was founded in 2007 to help end needless euthanasia and was one of the first in the country to formalize a relationship with its city shelter whereby both entities would work in partnership to increase the city shelter's live release rate. An initial live release goal of 75% was established and the partnership has made great strides, increasing the live release rate from 25.3% in 2007 to 66.7% by the end of 2014.