Grants and Awards

Offering help and recognition to those who deserve it most

American Humane is proud to accept applications for our grant programs, which fund a spectrum of lifesaving work benefitting both humans and animals. These grants support and facilitate efforts to rescue, shelter, and care for animals in need—whether homeless, injured, or abused—and those harnessing the remarkable powers of the human-animal bond.

Grants and Awards Initiatives

American Humane Hero Dog Awards®

The American Humane Hero Dog Awards® is an annual, nationwide competition that searches out and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs. Hundreds of nominees compete, but only one is awarded the coveted…

Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund

Like every other business or organization in America, rescue shelters are struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents in the face of the current worldwide pandemic.…

Second Chance® Grants

Every year, countless animals suffer deplorable abuse and neglect. Often, local shelters and rescue groups are saddled with the steep expenses of saving, sheltering, and caring for these animals in…

News & Updates

Five Courageous Canines Chosen to Compete for Honor of Becoming America’s Top Dog

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, September 7, 2023 — Following a public voting period in which animal lovers from across the country participated, a field of 25 courageous canines has been narrowed down to five finalists. These five dogs now advance to the final round of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®. It’s a nationwide competition that searches for and…
September 7, 2023

American Humane Kicks Off 2023 Hero Dog Awards, Nominations Now Open

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, April 18, 2023 — Today, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—is officially kicking off the 2023 Hero Dog Awards. It’s an annual, nationwide competition that searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs. Winners are often ordinary four-legged companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives on the battlefield, lending their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall…
April 18, 2023