ASPCA Establishes Emergency $500K Grant Fund for Animal Welfare Groups In Wake of Natural Disasters Across the U.S.

"Rachael's Rescue" Joins the Effort; Animal Welfare Organizations Encouraged to Apply

NEW YORK, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it has established the ASPCA Disaster Fund and is accepting disaster grant applications from qualified shelters and other animal welfare organizations in states affected by or responding to recent severe weather incidents.

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As part of the effort, TV personality Rachael Ray, her dog food line Nutrish®, and her philanthropic initiative Rachael's Rescue have partnered with the ASPCA Disaster Fund to pledge support with a generous contribution of both funds and food for the animals in need.  All of Ray's proceeds from each sale of her pet food go to Rachael's Rescue and in the few short years since its launch, the Rachael Ray Nutrish brand has raised and donated more than $1.5 million for animal charities.  

"After our Field Investigations and Response team witnessed firsthand the incredible devastation – especially in the Midwest and Southeast – we wanted to offer additional aid in the form of the ASPCA Disaster Fund," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "We know that local animal shelters and rescue groups are feeling the effects of this unexpected natural disaster, and these funds, along with Rachael Ray's generous support, will provide needed resources and capacity to help them protect and care for animals in their communities.  We are grateful to Rachael for reaching out to the animal welfare community during this very challenging time."

"I am a huge lover of animals, and I simply can't bear the thought of them homeless, hungry and in need of care," said Rachael Ray.  "One of the main factories where our Nutrish Just 6 treats are manufactured is located in Joplin, Mo., so this tragedy has really hit home and we knew we needed to spring into action and help.  I'm so happy I could join the incredible efforts already underway by the ASPCA in helping families find their pets and care for animals in their community – we started Nutrish and Rachael's Rescue for this very purpose."

Applicants to the ASPCA Disaster Fund must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Non-profit organization or government agency, such as municipal or county animal control, with an animal welfare mission and a federal tax ID (EIN/Employer Identification Number);
• Qualified shelter and/or other animal welfare organization in states affected by or responding to recent severe weather incidents, plus organizations outside those states providing outreach and assistance;
• Directly affected by or providing/participating in direct response to the spring 2011 natural disasters; and
• In need of immediate assistance.

Eligible requests from the ASPCA Disaster Fund include cash assistance for the following purposes:

• Food and food banks for at-risk animals;
• Shelter supplies and equipment;
• Rescue supplies and equipment;
• Sheltering or temporary boarding and fostering of rescued or at-risk animals;
• Transport/transfers/relocation of animals;
• Veterinary expenses/medical care for animals;
• Overtime expenses for shelter staff;
• Travel and related incidental expenses for shelter staff or staff deployed to affected disaster areas to assist with disaster response for animals; and
• Infrastructure repairs/rebuilding.

Eligible applicants directly affected by and/or responding to the floods and recent tornado affected states plus organizations outside those states providing outreach and assistance may submit a disaster application here.

All ASPCA grant applications are subject to standard review, approval and acceptance guidelines as outlined on this site. We appreciate the patience of our applicants with non-emergency requests as we accommodate disaster applications.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation's leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

About Rachael's Rescue and Nutrish

In 2008, Ray partnered with Ainsworth Pet Nutrition®, a company formed by Dad's Pet Care and Hampshire Pet Products, to develop a line of super premium dog food called Rachael Ray™ Nutrish®.  Rachael Ray™ Nutrish natural dog food includes four varieties: Real Chicken and Veggies, Real Beef and Brown Rice, Just 6® and Nutrish Healthy Weight with Real Turkey and Veggies. All of Ray's proceeds from each sale of Rachael Ray™ Nutrish, Just 6® food and dog treats and the Nutrish Healthy Weight will be donated to Rachael's Rescue (www.rachaelsrescue.org) dedicated to helping animals in need. So, not only are Nutrish products great for your dog, they're great for countless other dogs as well. To follow Nutrish on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/nutrish.

SOURCE ASPCA