AVMF disaster grant program seeking applications
|
As part of its goal to help states become fully prepared for animal-related disaster response and relief efforts, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation will once again offer grants of up to $20,000 for qualified state veterinary organizations. Applications for 2011 are due by Sept. 10.
Specifically, the AVMF offers startup, matching, and challenge grants through its Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund. Startup grants of up to $5,000 are available to qualified state VMAs and 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in the early stages of disaster preparedness and response planning. Money can go toward administrative costs, such as meeting rooms and advertising, as well as personnel. Matching and challenge grants of up to $20,000 are available to those who are further along in the disaster preparedness process. Grants can be used for expenses related to medical supplies, animal transport equipment, and other disaster response-related equipment. Review of applications by the AVMF Grants and Awards Committee will take place this fall; announcements of awards will be made this winter. In 2010, the AVMF awarded state grants to seven organizations (see JAVMA, Jan. 1, 2010). A total of $105,000 was awarded overall. To apply for a state grant, log on to www.avmf.org and click on "What We Fund" and then "Disaster Related Grants," or contact Cheri Kowal, AVMF program and administrative assistant, by telephone at (800) 925-1230. | ||
The grants, started in 2004, are part of a larger effort by the Foundation to continue supporting various veterinary medical assistance teams, to build state response capacity, and to help set a national veterinary agenda for animal disaster response.