Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants for Animal Rescue
Funding lifesaving projects to increase cat and dog adoption rates in U.S. shelters through grants up to $50,000.
Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants: Funding Lifesaving Animal Rescue Projects
The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants represent a significant opportunity for animal shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations across the United States to secure critical funding for lifesaving initiatives. These grants, administered by Best Friends Animal Society and funded by The Rachael Ray Foundation, are specifically designed to support projects that increase the lifesaving of cats and dogs in U.S. shelters. With funding available up to $50,000, these grants enable organizations to expand their capacity to save more animals and reduce euthanasia rates in their communities.
The Rachael Ray Foundation, which receives funding from a portion of proceeds from each sale of Rachael’s Nutrish® pet food, demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of shelter animals nationwide. This grant program has become instrumental in helping rescue organizations achieve higher save rates and implement innovative lifesaving programs.
Understanding the Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants
The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants are specifically designed to fund projects that address the lifesaving gap in cat and dog rescue operations. Unlike other grant programs that may focus on general animal welfare, these grants target organizations working directly to increase the number of animals saved from euthanasia in shelters across the country.
The grant program welcomes proposals from a diverse range of organizations, including public and private shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations. The primary focus is on impacting lifesaving at shelters, making this an ideal funding opportunity for organizations committed to reducing shelter euthanasia and improving animal outcomes.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Understanding eligibility requirements is the first step toward securing grant funding. The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants have specific criteria designed to identify organizations making the greatest impact on shelter lifesaving.
Primary Eligible Organizations
The following types of organizations can apply for these grants:
- Public and private shelters with a lifesaving gap (save rate below 90%)
- Public and private shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations without a lifesaving gap whose project will impact a shelter that has a lifesaving gap
- Animal rescue organizations focused on saving at-risk populations from shelters
- Animal welfare nonprofits with demonstrated commitment to shelter lifesaving initiatives
This inclusive approach ensures that organizations at various stages of their lifesaving journey, from those just beginning to develop comprehensive programs to those expanding existing successful initiatives, can access funding.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
Before submitting an application, organizations must ensure they meet all mandatory eligibility requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective use of grant funds.
Network Membership and Data Sharing
Organizations must be part of the Best Friends Network and meet specific data-sharing requirements. This includes:
- Organizations eligible for the Shelter Pet Data Alliance (SPDA) must submit all monthly data for 2024 through July 2025 to SPDA
- Non-SPDA eligible organizations must submit 2024 annual community data
- Organizations must remain current on all data submissions throughout the grant period
- Partner shelters must also maintain current data status
Program Implementation and Timeline Requirements
Additionally, applicant organizations must adhere to specific implementation guidelines:
- All programs must be implemented within the United States
- Awarded grant funds must be spent within a one-year period following grant approval
- Organizations must provide monthly progress updates and final reporting documentation
- Project implementation must align with the proposed timeline submitted in the application
Funding Amounts and Budget Requirements
Grant Funding Caps
The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants provide funding up to a maximum of $50,000 per organization. However, the actual amount an organization can request is limited by a percentage of their operating budget.
Specifically, the amount requested cannot exceed 10% of your organization’s annual operating budget. This requirement ensures that grant funding serves as a supplement to an organization’s existing operations rather than becoming the primary source of funding for core activities.
Budget Calculation Example
For example, if an organization has an annual operating budget of $500,000, they can request up to $50,000 (10% of $500,000). However, if an organization has an annual operating budget of $300,000, they can only request up to $30,000 (10% of $300,000), even though the maximum grant amount is $50,000.
Eligible Lifesaving Projects and Programs
The grant program prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear potential to increase the number of animals saved from euthanasia. Successful applications typically focus on evidence-based, innovative approaches to lifesaving.
Types of Eligible Programs
Organizations can propose projects in the following areas:
- Pet retention services for the community to prevent animals from entering shelters
- Return to Field programs or adoption via working cat programs
- Advanced medical care for target numbers of at-risk pets
- Return-to-home efforts expanded through waived fees and enhanced outreach
- Shelter enrichment programs for large dogs at risk for kennel decline
- Transfer programs for at-risk populations including underage kittens, adult cats, and large breed dogs from high-need shelters
- Foster program expansion to increase capacity for at-risk animals
- Return-to-home programming initiatives
Application Components and Requirements
A successful application includes comprehensive information about your organization and proposed project. Understanding what information to include significantly improves the competitiveness of your proposal.
Required Application Information
Your application must include the following elements:
- Amount Requested: The specific funding amount (not exceeding 10% of operating budget and not to exceed $50,000)
- Lifesaving Gap Population Types: Identification of the specific animal populations you will serve (e.g., large breed dogs, underage kittens, senior cats)
- Proposed Lifesaving Programs: Description of the specific programs you will implement
- Geographic Information: The region where your organization is located and where you intend to have impact
- Impact Partners: Names and information about shelter or organization partners who will benefit from your project
- Project Summary and Timeline: Detailed description of your project and realistic implementation timeline
- Animal Impact Numbers: Specific number of animals your project will impact (without double counting or estimating indirect impact)
- 90% Achievement Goal: Whether you or a partner organization will achieve a 90% save rate or higher through this project
- Data Current Status: Confirmation that your organization is current on all required data submissions
Post-Grant Award Requirements
Organizations selected to receive funding are required to fulfill ongoing reporting and documentation requirements throughout the grant period and upon completion.
Progress Reporting and Final Documentation
Grant recipients must provide:
- Regular progress reports during the implementation period
- Summary of progress toward achieving stated lifesaving goals
- Success stories documenting the impact of the grant-funded project
- Photographs and documentation of animals helped through the project
- Final report detailing outcomes, lessons learned, and long-term sustainability of the program
Application Timeline and Process
Key Dates for 2026 Grant Cycle
The application process follows a structured timeline to ensure fair and thorough evaluation of all submissions. Understanding these deadlines is crucial for planning your application.
- Letter of Interest (LOI) Deadline: November 3rd – Organizations must submit an initial letter of interest through Foundant
- LOI Notifications: Organizations will be notified of their status and whether they should proceed to full application
- Full Application Deadline: Early December – Selected organizations submit comprehensive grant applications
- Final Decisions: Mid-December – Grant recipients are announced
- Contract Deadline: December 19th – Awarded organizations must return signed grant contracts
- Grant Disbursement: January 2nd – Grant checks are sent to awarded organizations
Application Submission Platform
All applications for the Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants are submitted through Foundant, an online grant management platform. Organizations must create an account and become familiar with the platform before the application deadline to ensure smooth submission of all required documents and information.
Real-World Impact: Grant Recipients Making a Difference
Organizations across the country have leveraged Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants to implement meaningful lifesaving programs. For example, Rescued Pets Movement in Houston used grant funding to expand its foster program, saving an additional 300 at-risk animals from euthanasia. Hearts & Bones Rescue utilized grant funding to rescue dogs from shelters throughout North Texas and transport them to New York City for adoption opportunities. These examples demonstrate the tangible impact these grants have on animal lives.
Related Funding Opportunity: Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants
While the Save Them All Grants focus on organizations working to reach the 90% save rate threshold, Best Friends Animal Society also administers the Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants for organizations that have already achieved no-kill status. These grants, with a maximum funding cap of $60,000, help no-kill organizations sustain their status, implement new lifesaving initiatives, or mentor other shelters. Understanding which grant program aligns with your organization’s current status is essential when planning your application strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum amount I can request?
A: The maximum grant amount is $50,000, but your request cannot exceed 10% of your organization’s annual operating budget. Calculate 10% of your operating budget first to determine your actual maximum request amount.
Q: Do I need to be a member of Best Friends Network to apply?
A: Yes, organizations must be part of the Best Friends Network and meet data-sharing requirements to be eligible for the Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants.
Q: How long do I have to spend the awarded grant funds?
A: Grant funds must be spent within one year of the grant award date. Careful planning and timeline management are essential to ensure full utilization of funds within this timeframe.
Q: Can my organization apply if we haven’t yet achieved a 90% save rate?
A: Yes, the Save Them All Grants are specifically designed for organizations with lifesaving gaps (save rates below 90%). Organizations working to reach this milestone are encouraged to apply.
Q: What types of projects are most competitive?
A: Projects with clear lifesaving goals, realistic implementation timelines, strong data tracking capabilities, and evidence-based approaches tend to be most competitive. Applications addressing the most at-risk animal populations are also prioritized.
Q: Can I apply as a rescue group or must I be a shelter?
A: Both rescue groups and shelters can apply. The program welcomes proposals from public shelters, private shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations focused on shelter lifesaving.
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
A: Your application will be reviewed by Best Friends Animal Society staff and external experts. Selected applicants will be notified of award decisions in mid-December, with grant funds disbursed in early January.
Getting Started with Your Application
If your organization is committed to increasing lifesaving for cats and dogs in your community, the Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants can provide the resources needed to implement meaningful change. Start by verifying your organization meets all eligibility requirements, calculating your maximum request amount based on your operating budget, and identifying a specific, impactful lifesaving project that aligns with grant priorities. Gather your data documentation, engage stakeholders and partners, and begin developing a compelling application that tells the story of the animals you serve and the lives your grant-funded project will save.
For more information about the application process and to submit your letter of interest, visit the Best Friends Animal Society website or contact their grants team directly. Your organization’s commitment to lifesaving may be exactly what the Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants are designed to support.
References
- Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants | Best Friends Animal Society — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/network/partner-perk/rachael-ray-save-them-all-grants
- How to Apply for 2026 Rachael Ray No-Kill Excellence Grants and Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants — Best Friends Animal Society. 2025. https://bestfriends.org/network/webinars-videos/fund-your-lifesaving-how-apply-2026-rachael-ray-no-kill-excellence-grants
- About Our Foundation – The Rachael Ray Foundation™ — The Rachael Ray Foundation. 2025. https://www.rachaelrayfoundation.org/about/
- Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant 2021 | Rescued Pets Movement — Rescued Pets Movement. 2021. https://rescuedpetsmovement.org/rachael-ray-save-them-all-grant/
- Hearts & Bones Rescue Receives Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant from Best Friends Animal Society — Hearts & Bones Rescue. 2025. https://heartsandbonesrescue.org/news/hearts-bones-receives-rachael-ray-save-them-all-grant-from-best-friends-animal-society
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