Three area nonprofits are among the organizations that will receive $550,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will support a range of uses, including low-cost vet care for pets in low-income households, educational programs, and caring for rescued farm animals.
“The delight that pets bring to our lives carries over into our own health and well-being. Keeping pets healthy and preparing animals for adoption are just more ways the Foundation helps Rhode Islanders lead healthier lives,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “We could not offer this help without the generous support of the donors who establish funds with us for this purpose. Their generosity – together with the dedication of our grantees – is improving the quality of animal care in Rhode Island.”
The Veterinary Medical Suite at Potter League for Animals’ Animal Care Center in Middletown received $30,000. Beyond fundamental services like spaying, neutering, vaccinations and microchipping, the facility provides essential, specialized surgeries. The care is expected to include 3,600 veterinary exams, 613 spay and neuter surgeries, 147 other surgeries and over 2,700 vaccinations this year.
“Over the past year, we have seen a growing demand for our services because of rising costs; we will continue to respond to this growing need with our unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care in a nurturing environment,” said Potter CEO Brad Shear.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown received $9,500 for its Animal Ambassador Program, which enables the public to interact with wild and rehabilitated native animals. The funding will cover veterinary care, food and supplies for the birds that support Norman’s educational programs.
“Our goal is to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for wildlife within our community. This program fosters an ethic of wildlife stewardship among the tens of thousands of adults, children and families who visit the Sanctuary and participate in our educational programs,” said Kaity Ryan, Executive Director.
West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton received $30,000 to support its Animal Nutritional, Medical and Enrichment Program. The organization provides shelter and rehabilitation for a variety of rescued livestock, equine and wildlife, including many that are injured, disabled or suffering from abuse or neglect.
“Our animals require more than a dozen types of commercial and naturally grown food. We provide a variety of nutritional supplements as well as acres of rotational grazing. Though we also grow vegetables and fruits on property for our rescues, we cannot supply nearly enough food without this support,” said Wendy Taylor, executive director.
The organization shelters more than 100 farm animal rescues at any given time. The care includes food and supplements, medical care and veterinary visits, daily examinations, treatments, medicines, surgeries and health services such as shearing, hoof care, teeth trimming and skin conditioning. For its rescue efforts, West Place works closely with animal control officers, police departments and other rescue organizations.
“While caring for these animals is mission, other organizations and towns in Rhode Island also benefit, as we are often called to assist police departments, animal control officers, and shelters when issues arrive regarding farm animals that have been seized as victims of cruelty or neglect,” said Taylor.
Donors have established a number of special funds at the Foundation that relate to the humane treatment and protection of animals. Collectively, these funds enable the Foundation to take a leading role on animal welfare issues through its Program for Animal Welfare (PAW).
PAW funds organizations that promote and provide humane treatment of animals or work more generally on the welfare of animals. Grants are for projects or programs that have a positive impact locally or statewide on animal care, education about the humane treatment of animals and animal welfare in general.
Animal Rescue Rhode Island (ARRI) in South Kingstown, which received $35,000 for work including performing substantial non-routine veterinary care for its shelter pets; Foster Parrots in Hope Valley, which received $25,000 to support its adoption program, veterinary expenses, food and special diet supplies, and enrichment supplies and toys; and Mystic Aquarium, which received $8,950 to rescue and rehabilitate injured or sick marine mammals and sea turtles in Rhode Island; are among the other recipients. The full of recipients is posted at rifoundation.org.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.
