American Humane - Protecting Children & Animals since 1877

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Shelter Professionals

Shelter Professionals

Grants

The Second Chance® Fund

What is the Second Chance Fund?

The medical costs of treating and rehabilitating an abused animal can easily become overwhelming for any animal welfare organization -- particularly when long-term care is necessary. The Second Chance Fund is one way American Humane works to support member organizations in their vital work. By providing financial assistance, in select cases, to animal welfare organizations responsible for the temporary care of animals as they are prepared for adoption into permanent, loving homes, the program provides animal victims of abuse or neglect with a second chance at life.

How does a local shelter or organization apply for financial assistance through the Second Chance Fund?

Due to the overwhelming number of abuse cases nationwide, the Second Chance Fund is offered only to organizations that are current agency members of the American Humane Association, and only in select cases of animal abuse or neglect. Funding is awarded on a case-by-case basis by American Humane's Shelter Services staff. General guidelines of the Fund include:

  • Only American Humane Association member animal sheltering agencies (private or public) are considered for the Second Chance Fund.
  • Individuals, businesses, corporations and non-member organizations are not provided for in the guidelines of the fund.
  • Funding may be used only to cover medical procedures for animals that have been victims of abuse or neglect and require medical treatment before being placed for adoption. Routine medical procedures -- such as vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter surgery, etc. -- and behavior modification and/or training are outside the scope of this fund.
  • Medical procedures covered under the fund will allow animals to medically recover and live a relatively pain-free life.
  • Animals involved can be successfully placed in new homes.
  • Funding to any one agency is limited to $2,000 per fiscal year.
  • Applications must be received no later than one year following the date of intake of the animal(s).

If your organization has a case you believe qualifies for assistance by the Second Chance Fund, please download and fill out an application.

Please provide any photo documentation available and include a photo release form to allow American Humane to use the photos. (PDF)

Submit your application to grants@americanhumane.org. Please state "Second Chance Fund Request" in the subject line.

If you have questions regarding any part of the grant process, contact us.


Make a contribution to the Second Chance Fund.

Grants

Stories of animals that got a Second Chance



Second Chance Fund Video

Emmie

Emmie

Animal Relief and Rescue Fellowship

Tiny and helpless, Emmie -- a 5-week-old female Lab mix -- was discovered in the backyard of a home. She had likely been thrown over the fence by an owner who didn’t want the responsibility of caring for the puppy -- and who evidently had not been for some time, judging by Emmie’s neglected head injury and severe mange.

Champ

Champ

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Tethered in the back of a pick-up truck, 1-year-old pit bull mix Champ didn’t stand a chance after falling out of the vehicle during a turn. He was dragged for two blocks and then, when his collar came loose, Champ was run over by the truck. His owners brought him to The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, although they at first denied he was their dog.