Governor Kathy Hochul released the FY21 Companion Animal Capital Fund RFPs which reflect the changes the Federation had been pushing for during the last legislative session.
- Shelters without municipal contracts will be able to apply for up to $200,000 with a 50% match (the shelter must have $100,000 in the bank as a match for their capital project.
- Shelters that have already received grants but have completed their projects will be able to apply to another grant.
The Governor’s press release, below, provides more detail.
Round 4 of the Companion Animal Capital Fund Continues Support of Construction, Renovation, and Expansion Projects
For the First Time, Organizations That Have Already Completed Projects are Eligible to Apply Again
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced over $6 million is available to support critical upgrades at New York’s animal shelters. This is the fourth round of funding for New York State’s Companion Animal Capital Fund, which helps eligible organizations to make major improvements to their facilities to enhance animal care and health. For the first time, shelters that have previously been awarded funding through this program and that have completed their projects are eligible to apply again. Additionally, a portion of the funds is dedicated to organizations in regions where there is insufficient shelter capacity for pets.
“During the pandemic, the number of pet adoptions skyrocketed, demonstrating just how important animal care organizations are in our world for both humans and animals alike,” Governor Hochul said. “This latest round of the Companion Animal Capital Funding will help strengthen New York’s shelters by providing employees and volunteers the tools and resources they need to help the animals in their care all year round.”
Today’s announcement brings the total dedicated to the program to more than $20 million since 2017. Since the launch of the program, 41 projects have been awarded across New York State and 20 projects have been fully completed.
The Companion Animal Capital Fund is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program provides competitive matching grants to offset the costs associated with capital projects, allowing for better care and improved environments for animals that are housed in local shelters. Funds are available to eligible incorporated and municipal animal shelters, pounds, and humane societies. Grants can be used to construct, renovate, rehabilitate, or acquire buildings and equipment needed to house, treat, and care for sheltered dogs and cats.
- RFP 0255:
- $4.25 million is available to award grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to municipal and incorporated not-for-profit pounds, shelters and humane societies that are operated by or under contract with a municipality.
- Entities that have been awarded funds during previous Companion Animal Capital Projects funding opportunities are eligible to apply for an award under this RFP. Previously funded projects must be complete before an entity can apply for an award.
- $4.25 million is available to award grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to municipal and incorporated not-for-profit pounds, shelters and humane societies that are operated by or under contract with a municipality.
- RFP 0258:
- $1.8 million is available to award grants between $50,000 and $200,000 to pounds, shelters or humane societies that are not operated by or under contract with a municipality but that are registered with the Department.