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Pawsitive Impact Microgrants

SPCA Cincinnati is strengthening the animal welfare ecosystem in our community by investing in the grassroots partners who help animals every day. We’re offering microgrants of up to $1,000 to support small, local animal welfare organizations, because lasting change happens when we work together.

In 2025, SPCA Cincinnati partnered with 35 shelters to support our Shelter2Shelter initiative, receiving 751 animals from other shelters, and we’re proud to keep building collaborative solutions across our region.

Veterinary care is often one of the biggest barriers to keeping animals healthy and families together. These microgrants are one more way we can support the rescues, shelters, and community organizations helping pets stay safe, well, and cared for, whether that’s through medical support, prevention, or direct care.

There are more than 260 animal welfare organizations in the Cincinnati metro area. This initiative helps strengthen the partnerships that make our region a safer place for animals and the people who love them.

“Everything I’ve focused on as President & CEO has been about building a stronger, more connected animal-welfare system—one that moves faster, reaches farther, and lifts everyone doing the work. The Pawsitive Impact Microgrants are a natural extension of that momentum. We’re not just caring for animals inside our walls; we’re investing in the grassroots partners who keep this entire community humane, resilient, and lifesaving. When small organizations are stronger, the whole region is stronger—and that’s how real, lasting change happens.”

— Chris Seelbach, President & CEO, SPCA Cincinnati

What We’re Funding

Microgrants can support direct animal welfare work, such as:

  • Spay/neuter services
  • Emergency medical care
  • Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) supplies and efforts
  • Animal food and essential supplies
  • Transport and short-term boarding connected to animal welfare needs

Who Can Apply

To apply, organizations must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization. Fiscal sponsors must be a 501(c)(3) and agree to receive and administer funds on behalf of the applicant.
  • Provide direct animal welfare services in the Greater Cincinnati area. Priority will be given to organizations operating within the I-275 loop.
  • Submit only one application per calendar year.
  • Be able to complete the proposed project by the end of 2026.
  • Agree to submit a brief impact report by January 31, 2027.

How to Apply

Just complete the short online application linked below. We’ll ask for basic organization information, a brief project description, and your requested amount (up to $1,000). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open until funding is exhausted. We will respond to applicants within 7 business days.

Apply Here

How Grants Are Selected

Applications will be reviewed based on:

  • Impact (how many animals and/or community members will be helped)
  • Feasibility (a realistic plan and timeline)
  • Community Need (addressing service gaps or underserved areas)
  • Organizational Capacity (ability to carry out the project and report outcomes)

Questions?

We’re happy to help. Contact Nick Taylor at 513-904-9903 or ntaylor@spcacincinnati.org