Animal Welfare
Invitation Only
The Animal Welfare Community Grant supports organizations providing spay and neuter assistance for personally owned pets in Central Oklahoma. This initiative grew from the Best Friends of Pets endowment fund established by Kim and Bill Schlittler. Best Friends of Pets dissolved in 2024, but through this initiative, they will continue to make an impact on the lives of pets and pet owners.
Grant Information
Project Priority
Projects funded must support the following priorities:
- Reduce pet overpopulation.
- Promote high volume spay & neuter assistance for personally owned pets.
- Improve the welfare of pets and people in Central Oklahoma.
One award up to $15,000 split over three years will be awarded.
Important Dates
- June 16 – July 11, 2025 – Application Interviews
- End of August 2025 – Decision Notification
Grant Guidelines
Download the Grant Guidelines for full details on this grant.
All projects must comply with the published Grant Guidelines, which include eligibility requirements and selection process instructions.
This grant is invitation only.
If you have any questions about this grant, or believe your organization meets the guidelines provided above and should be considered, please check out our FAQ below or complete this form.
FAQ
Last Updated 5/13/25
Why is this grant opportunity invitation only?
The Animal Welfare Community Grant Program is still in its early stages, and only a small pool of funding is available. However, OCCF recognizes the need for greater support for animal welfare in our community, so rather than waiting for this fund to grow enough to support a large grant cycle, we are starting now to create an immediate impact, with plans to grow the fund through the generous support of our community and donors.
To maximize impact and honor donor intent, we are inviting organizations that fit the grant criteria to participate in an interview process to select the recipient. The decision to use an interview process rather than a comprehensive grant application is driven by a desire to minimize the application burden on eligible organizations. This approach allows OCCF staff to learn about an organization’s vital work while respecting their time.
Is there an application to complete?
No. Eligible organizations will be interviewed rather than completing an online or physical application.
What is the selection process?
OCCF staff will contact eligible organizations to schedule an interview. Eligible organizations will be interviewed by OCCF staff using a common set of questions. The purpose of this interview is to learn more about the organization and its spay and neuter assistance programming. All organizations interviewed will be notified of funding decisions by the decision notification date.
Will organizations invited to this grant cycle receive notification if they are not approved?
Yes, all organizations that are interviewed will be notified of funding decisions by the decision notification date above.
Will OCCF expand this grant opportunity to accept applications in the future?
Yes. As the Animal Welfare Community Grant Program grows and can support additional grantmaking, the program will be expanded to accept applications.
You can sign up for updates using the link in the box above the FAQs.
I am a pet owner who needs my pet spayed or neutered. Can I apply for funding to cover the cost?
No. Funding is provided directly to a nonprofit organization providing spay and neuter services.
Why is the funding focus only spay and neuter assistance?
The funding focus of spay and neuter assistance was selected in recognition of Best Friends of Pets’ spay and neuter assistance program and strong evidence of the efficacy of high-volume, affordable spay and neuter programs in reducing pet overpopulation and improving the welfare of companion animals.
