In our latest episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, sits down with Laurel Meleski, Director of Operations at Red Rover, to discuss their mission and programs that help animals and people in need. Their work involves animal rescue grants for domestic abuse survivors and disaster relief. As an enthusiastic animal lover herself, Libby is excited to spotlight Red Rover’s essential work in offering support for pets and individuals in crisis. In fact, their mission states they want to “strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.”
Red Rover’s Country-Wide Focus on Animal Rescue Grants
Founded in 1987, Red Rover initially operated with a global mission. Since then, the organization has shifted its focus to the U.S., where most of its funding originates. Today, they serve communities country-wide, providing funds, along with several key programs that directly impact individuals and their pets.
Animal Rescue Grants for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Red Rover provides animal rescue grants to assist with urgent veterinary care and pet boarding. Red Rover Relief grants provide life-saving assistance for pets with urgent health needs. Funding goes to “Good Samaritans, animal rescuers, and pet owners to help them obtain urgent veterinary care for animals in life-threatening situations.” The Safe Escape Grant covers pet boarding for individuals in domestic violence shelters. This grant ensures that survivors can leave abusive situations without worrying about their pets’ safety. Laurel explains, “Pets are like children to a lot of people,” and leaving them behind is often a barrier to escape. The Safe Escape Grant makes it easier for survivors to take their pets to safety without financial strain.
In addition, Red Rover offers the Safe Housing Grant. This program helps domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly. Their ambitious goal, dubbed “25 by 2025,” is to make 25% of shelters across the U.S. pet-friendly by 2025! This initiative allows survivors to take refuge with their pets, helping them avoid the tough decision of leaving their animals behind. Red Rover collaborates with Greater Goods Charities Rescue Rebuild through the Don’t Forget the Pets program. This is a free resource that provides training, coaching, and guidance to shelters on how to become pet-friendly. Red Rover case managers and grant managers are readily available to support applicants in creating these safe spaces.
Red Rover’s Responders Program
Another important highlight of their animal rescue grants is the Red Rover Responders Program, which helps pets during natural disasters like hurricanes or floods. The program has a large network of trained volunteers across the country, ready to deploy whenever disaster strikes. These volunteers set up temporary animal shelters to ensure that pets are safe while their owners evacuate. Laurel emphasizes the importance of this service, noting that many pet owners view their animals as family members and are reluctant to leave without knowing their pets will be cared for.
Grant Seekers and Common Mistakes
When asked about common mistakes in grant applications, Laurel advises applicants to thoroughly read through the application and answer the questions in detail. “We appreciate succinct answers,” she says, “but we want to understand why something is needed at your shelter.” She emphasizes that Red Rover is committed to working one-on-one with applicants to help them succeed. As Laurel says, “We really look for reasons to say yes.”
A Final Word of Encouragement
Libby wraps up the conversation by urging applicants not to be discouraged if they are not approved in the first round. “Your grant application has value,” she says, reminding listeners that organizations are often encouraged to reapply in the next cycle.
Red Rover’s work is invaluable to survivors and their pets, offering both immediate relief and long-term solutions. This organization’s commitment to creating safe, pet-friendly shelters is making a significant impact across the U.S.
To learn more about Red Rover’s grants and programs, contact Laurel Meleski, visit their website, or follow them on social media:
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