The Friends Helping Friends Foundation (FHFF) Animal Welfare Grant Program supports initiatives that directly or indirectly enhance the success of Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control (CRACC). Designed to address pressing needs in the Cedar Rapids/Marion communities of Iowa, the program focuses on funding projects that improve the welfare of homeless and displaced animals while reducing pressure on the CRACC shelter system. This program is a collaboration with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and reflects FHFF’s commitment to building resources and advocating for animal care.

Grants are available quarterly and offer up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in Cedar Rapids or Marion. Eligible projects include emergency animal care, spay/neuter initiatives, microchip identification efforts, foster care programming, animal cruelty intervention, and humane education. Funds must directly serve the community’s homeless animals and cannot be used for rescue animals transferred from outside jurisdictions. Proposed projects must align with FHFF’s mission and demonstrate measurable benefits to the CRACC and the local animal population.

Eligible applicants include municipal or county animal shelters, animal control agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organizations. Organizations must operate within Cedar Rapids or Marion, Iowa, and focus on aiding animals received by CRACC. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on the last Friday of each quarter (March, June, September, December) and must not exceed three pages, using size 11 font. Completed applications should be emailed to FHFFGrant@gmail.com. Applicants will be notified of the results via mail, email, or phone.

Selected proposals undergo review by the FHFF Grant Committee before submission to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for final approval. Grantees are required to provide comprehensive reporting, including a final narrative detailing project outcomes, a financial report of expenditures, and supporting materials such as photos or press coverage. Progress reports and amendments may also be requested during the project term to ensure accountability and alignment with grant objectives.

Reporting expectations emphasize analytical and reflective assessments of the project’s outcomes, including both intended and unintended results. The process aims to foster transparency, mutual learning, and a stronger partnership between the grantee and FHFF. The narrative should outline key learnings, challenges, and successes, while the financial report provides a detailed breakdown of grant expenditures. These elements help FHFF assess the project’s impact and build a foundation for future collaboration.

This grant opportunity provides essential support for organizations dedicated to advancing animal welfare in Cedar Rapids and Marion. By funding targeted initiatives, the FHFF Animal Welfare Grant Program strengthens community resources and improves outcomes for homeless animals, enhancing the overall effectiveness of CRACC’s work.