Grants up to $200,000 for rehoming of companion animals, maintaining and expanding services, and allowing new clinics to be in areas of need around Victoria.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Animal Welfare Fund Grants (AWFG)?
The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program was established to support improvement of companion animal welfare in the Victorian community. These grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.
Online applications for round 11 grant funding are currently open. Round 11 offers:
- grants to not-for-profit organisations, shelters and foster carers to support the rehoming of companion animals
- grants to not-for-profit and community vet clinics to allow them to maintain and expand their services, and allow new low-cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.
AWFG level of support
Grants for rehoming pets (small grants)
- Minimum amount – Not indicated
- Maximum amount – $20,000
Grants for rehoming pets (large grants)
- Minimum amount – Not indicated
- Maximum amount – $100,000
Grants for veterinary equipment, upgrades and expansions
- Minimum amount – Not indicated
- Maximum amount – $50,000
Grants for the establishment of new, low-cost veterinary clinics
- Minimum amount – Not indicated
- Maximum amount – $200,000
Preference may be given to projects that leverage off other projects and/or that include financial co-funding or in-kind contribution from other sources (such as the applicant’s own funds or fundraising).
AWFG important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
AWFG objectives
The program aims to:
- improve companion animal welfare
- improve responsible pet ownership
- provide better animal welfare services to companion animals and the Victorian community.
Projects and expenditure eligible for AWFG support
Grants for rehoming pets
Eligible organisations can apply for grants to purchase equipment, or upgrade or expand their services, to benefit the welfare of companion animals.
Projects must relate to at least one of the following types of companion animals kept as pets: cats, dogs, horses (and other equines), rabbits, caged birds, guinea pigs, ferrets, rats or mice.
Consideration will be given to applications covering the following areas:
- Upgrade or extension of current facilities to improve the welfare of companion animals.
- Improvement in the rates of reuniting companion animals to their owners and rehoming of companion animals.
- Education programs on responsible ownership of animals, including consideration of ethics, sentience and duty of care.
- Training, services, systems or equipment that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of companion animal rehoming.
- Provision of animal relief services during an emergency or crisis.
The following will not be funded:
- projects that relate to the rehoming of wildlife, livestock, or pest animals declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
- natural persons
- government organisations
- salaries
- legal fees
- cash prizes or commercial gifts
- ongoing or routine maintenance activities
- recurrent operating costs (such as utility bills and premises lease or rental fees)
- lobbying activities
- costs of consultants to prepare the grant application
- education programs that could be considered political in nature (whole or in part)
- organisations that are seen to endorse, sanction, or give comfort to acts of trespass or unauthorised access to private property.
Grants for low-cost vet clinics
Consideration will be given to applications covering the following areas:
- Upgrade or extension of current not-for-profit or low-cost veterinary clinic facilities and equipment to improve the welfare of companion animals.
- Establishment of new low-cost veterinary clinics in areas of need around Victoria.
The following will not be funded:
- natural persons (excluding registered veterinary practitioners)
- government organisations
- veterinary clinics that do not offer discounted or low-cost services
- legal fees
- cash prizes or commercial gifts
- ongoing or routine maintenance activities
- recurrent operating costs (for existing vet clinics)
- lobbying activities
- costs of consultants to prepare the grant application
- organisations that are seen to endorse, sanction, or give comfort to acts of trespass or unauthorised access to private property.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for AWFG support.
Other AWFG important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for AWFG support
Grants for rehoming pets
Grant funding can be awarded to not-for-profit organisations that provide:
- for the welfare of companion animals, or
- an animal shelter service, or
- education programs on responsible ownership of animals, or
- services as a community foster care network (CFCN) for companion animals, or
- animal relief services and use of facilities to the community during emergencies.
Grants for low-cost vet clinics
- community vet clinic
- not-for-profit organisation
- registered veterinary practitioner.
All applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for AWFG support.
AWFG assessment criteria
1. Subject area
- goals and aims of the proposal
- types of activities that will comprise the proposal (including project milestones)
- any financial or in-kind contributions by the organisation
- outcomes and benefits of the proposal.
2. Justification of proposal
- the application should state which of the following priority areas the proposal addresses, and describe how it will result in improved animal welfare outcomes for Victoria’s companion animals
3. Project plan
- a comprehensive project plan
- a timeframe that demonstrates the proposal is ready for funding and is supported by a clear scope and realistic timing
- a budget that demonstrates the proposal is based on sound cost estimates and represents value for money
- any other supporting documentation as required by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
4. Project team
- who will plan, manage, and coordinate the proposed application
- who will be engaged to deliver the overall program, project or infrastructure
- the various people and/or organisations involved in delivering components of the program, project or infrastructure.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the AWFG?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the AWFG application
Application should include the following information:
- a comprehensive project plan
- a timeframe that demonstrates the proposal is ready for funding and is supported by a clear scope and realistic timing
- a budget that demonstrates the proposal is based on sound cost estimates and represents value for money
- any other supporting documentation as required by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the AWFG
Applications are submitted via the DEECA web portal.
Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
AWFG resources
- Source
- Round 11 Program Guidelines: Grants for rehoming pets
- Round 11 Program Guidelines: Grants for low-cost vet clinics
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