Each year hundreds of Aussies are abandoned, abused, left in pounds or turned in by owners directly to local rescue programs across the country. These volunteer-driven groups often need financial support due to extraordinary expenses from Natural Disasters or Puppy Mill closures. Anyone involved in a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or involved in evaluating large groups of dogs and puppies at a puppy mill closure, knows first-hand the significance of this financial support.
It is the purpose the Rescue Fund to provide this financial assistance to recognized rescue organizations or individuals who may apply for a “Rescue Fund Grant”. Emergency Grants for Natural Disasters have a cap of $1,000.00 and those for Puppy Mill closures have a cap of $500.00.
Grants are made only to recognized rescue organizations or individuals for dogs under their care, not to individual owners or foster homes. These are emergency funds. Groups are asked to monitor their requests with this in mind. If you have any questions concerning your application, contact the Foundation directly by e-mail or by calling any of the directors.
Be prepared to provide the following with your grant request:
- A copy of the rescue group’s current IRS 990 form
- A current, completed USASF Rescue Fund Grant Application
- Individuals must be identified by letter by the attending veterinarian and/or a well known USASA member
Emergency Grants
Natural Disasters
The Foundation’s goal is to provide support when a large number of dogs, specifically Australian Shepherds, need aid and assistance, due to a natural disaster. Our financial commitment will be for a specific amount and for a limited duration. The amount of support will depend upon the Foundation’s financial resources and the particular circumstances of the event. Financial support will be provided for canine fixed goods and services such as food, medicine, search and rescue operations. It will not provide for an individual’s personal loss such as wages.
There is a cap of $1,000.00 on this type of grant. The Foundation would prefer to work through established Aussie clubs or Rescue groups for Natural Disaster emergency funds. Upon receiving the request either by phone, e-mail or other means, the Foundation’s Board will immediately convene to analyze the request. The criteria that will be considered are: the degree of need, the credibility of the requesting group, and the amount of other financial support.
Puppy Mill Closures
Specific for expenses relating to puppy mills (to include any commercial or private breeding operations). The Foundation will provide emergency money to established rescue groups or recognized individuals for expenses incurred in puppy mill closures. There is a cap of $500.00 on this type of grant. Upon receiving the request either by phone, e-mail or other means, the Foundation will immediately convene to analyze the request. The criteria that will be considered are: the degree of need, the credibility of the requesting group, and the amount of other financial support.
