PEDIGREE Foundation Accepting 2012 Grant Applications to Fund Programs to Help Dogs Find Loving Homes

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PEDIGREE Foundation announced today that 2012 grant applications are being accepted from non-profit, tax-exempt animal shelters and dog rescue groups. On Monday, April 2, the application forms will be available on the Foundation's website at www.pedigreefoundation.org and qualified organizations can apply for the one-time Innovation Grants.

Innovation Grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to qualifying organizations based on demonstrated use of creative programs aimed at increasing dog adoptions. The grant application process requires animal shelters and dog rescues to lay out a detailed plan of action and must include program objective, detailed strategy, projected budget and measures of success. PEDIGREE Foundation will select qualifying applicants whose program goals and objectives align with the mission of helping dogs find loving homes.

"For the third year, PEDIGREE Foundation is awarding Innovation Grants to animal shelters and dog rescue groups that demonstrate real innovation and out-of-the box thinking for raising awareness, volunteerism, donations and, ultimately, dog adoptions," said Debra Fair, PEDIGREE Foundation president. "We encourage communities to work together to support dog adoption and look forward to help fund creative programs."

PEDIGREE Foundation encourages animal shelters and rescue organizations to look to staff, supporters and local community for inspiration and consider existing events that have been successful for other nonprofit organizations. For a list of past grant recipients and complete set of guidelines, visit www.pedigreefoundation.org. Applications are being accepted through June 29, 2012, at 4p.m. CDT.

How to Apply

To apply for a 2012 Innovation Grant, visit the PEDIGREE Foundation website at www.pedigreefoundation.org and click on the "Apply for a Grant" link. Nonprofit shelter and rescue groups with a 501(c)(3) status will first create a pre-qualifying account, then apply for Innovation Grants. Grants will be distributed in the Fall of 2012 and are awarded at the sole discretion of PEDIGREE Foundation.

Innovation Grant criteria for consideration includes:

1. Provide proof of Section 501(c)(3) tax exempt and public charity status;

2. Provide financial and other information to demonstrate sound corporate practices;

3. Demonstrate proof of organizational stability for the program;

4. Can project improved adoption rate;

5. Demonstrate a collaboration/partnership within the community that promotes, educates and/or increases awareness of issues that contribute to dog homelessness.

About PEDIGREE Foundation

Formed in 2008 by the PEDIGREE® Brand, PEDIGREE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work of shelters and dog rescue organizations throughout the country. Through no fault of their own, more than four million dogs end up in shelters and rescue organizations every year, and nearly half of them never find a place to call home.

As part of this ongoing commitment to this cause, PEDIGREE Foundation has awarded $4 million dollars since its inception. In 2011, PEDIGREE Foundation awarded $750,000 to 700 nonprofit shelters and dog rescues. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation online, visit www.pedigreefoundation.org. All donations go directly to help shelters help dogs find loving homes.

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SOURCE PEDIGREE Foundation