Grant ID: 1740
Title of Proposal: GSAL Spay-A-Stray 34207 & 34208
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $22,500.00
Check Payable To: Gulf Shore Animal League
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Gulf Shore Animal League, Inc. Website Address: www.gsalinc.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Cheryl Wade Position: President
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Cheryl Wade Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: P. O. Box 14291 City: Bradenton
State: Florida Zip: 34209
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 941-747-2284 Fax:
Cell: 941-962-0076    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 01/03/2003
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 01/01/16    End: 12/31/16
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $49,009.53
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $52,994.88
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 0  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 20
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 120.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? Email notification, FAF website
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2010, 2012, 2015 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 2014
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
952009Myakka Area & Far East Manatee County TNRDenied
1902010Samoset Community Cat ProjectFunded
3122012Rental Housing Community SNIP GrantFunded
14062014Target Inclusion GrantDenied
14992015GSAL 34205Funded
17402017GSAL Spay-A-Stray 34207 & 34208Funded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Cheryl HanburyVice President941-962-6695Retired
Cheryl WadePresident941-962-0076Administrative Assistant
Martha WrightTreasurer941-720-0200CFO, Chiles Restaurant Group

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
223  cats and 0  dogs were admitted.
242   cats and  0   dogs were adopted.
8   cats and  0    dogs were euthanized.
888   cats and  0    dogs were sterilized.
  
Briefly describe your animal programs:
 
If your program performs adoptions, are all animals sterilized before adoption? 
Yes
If not all, what percentage of animals are not currently sterilized before adoption? 
If not all, how are animals selected for sterilization before adoption? 
If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization after adoption:
 
Give additional background information on your organization's programs as they relate to this application and the qualifications of the personnel who will be in charge of this program. Show that you have the ability to carry out this program. 
GSAL has been running a non-profit TNR program since 2003 and are proud to have the reputation as the TNR experts in our community. Our trained volunteers have a passion for enriching the lives of free roaming cats in our community. They are experienced and proficient in organizing and running large-scale trappings and Spay Day events, as well as day-to-day operations. We successfully trapped 500 cats in our target area of zip code 34205 with funding provided by FAF in 2015. Many of our volunteers have been with us since the beginning. Our President, Vice President and Treasurer have each been active with our organization for 10+ years and dedicate many hours to the cause each week. Our Treasurer has 29 years of experience as the CFO for a large local restaurant chain and has successfully managed the funds from our three previous FAF grants. Ilonka Ambros, DVM, of Veterinary Emergency Center serves as our Medical Director. In 2011 we entered into a partnership agreement with Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) and the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) to further expand our TNR efforts by establishing a county-wide TNR program. Our partnership has been very successful and has reduced the euthanasia rate for cats entering MCAS from 1,612 in 2011 to 247 in 2016. Now free-roaming cats picked up by MCAS officers go through the TNR program instead of being euthanized as in years past.
If you currently have a program for sterilization of cats and/or dogs, describe your current level of funding and productivity and why additional resources are needed? 
Last year, we received $36,602 in private donations and raised an additional $12,407 through fundraising events. We have developed a reliable base of donors on whom we can depend, and we conduct our fundraisers annually. We also have access to a portion of local grant funding provided to the Humane Society of Manatee County by the Bishop Foundation. Receiving additional resources from the FAF Grant would allow us to fund more large-scale Spay Day events, thus reducing the number of unsterilized free roaming cats by 500. We have the manpower and other resources to do this, but funding has been the limiting factor.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
 Manatee County zip codes 34207 and 34208 
Total human population in target area: 71,400  
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 30 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 21637 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 17850 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 11900 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 269 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 888 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 54 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 146 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
The cited numbers are specific to our target zip codes area.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 The causes of animal overpopulation are many. The ones that apply in particular to our target areas are: Abandonment, intentional or otherwise, due to the recent high rate of foreclosures, and a large number of senior citizens who may pass away or have to move to facilities; a significant number of transient neighborhoods; and uninformed, negligent, and/or poverty-stricken pet owners who allow their pets to wander and breed.
What kinds of spay/neuter services are currently available in the target area and in what ways are these resources currently insufficient to meet community needs?
In our area, there is an adequate number of veterinary hospitals to serve pet-owners who can afford to pay. There are one government and four non-profit shelters/adoption centers that manage s/n for their intakes, as well as foster and rescue groups who do the same. For low-income owners the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) runs a high-volume reduced-cost s/n clinic. Insufficiencies include manpower to conduct large scale trapping and transportation (including return), and free s/n services for feral cats, free-roaming cats and owned cats from low income households. Our organization fills this need. We have 20 volunteers with an impressive track record. They would like to do even more, but our capacity is limited by our funding.
Florida Animal Friend is highly supportive of proposals that are focused on animal populations that are identified as substantial sources of dog or cat overpopulation rather than being diluted over too broad of a geographic area or diverse animal populations. Describe the specific target animal population of the spay/neuter project proposed for this grant:

  
 
TNR Managed Colony Feral Cat Program/Community Cats (Free-Roaming and/or Owned) Program
Define the precise boundaries of the colony or targeted area, including estimate of square miles.
 Zip code 34207 encompasses 6.2 square miles, with rough boundaries of 1st Street East to the east, 34th Street West to the west, 44th Avenue to the north and 69th Avenue to the South. Zip code 34208 encompasses 16.2 square miles, with rough boundaries of I-75 to the east, 1st Street East to the west, the Manatee River to the north and 44th Avenue to the south.
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
The targeted zip code areas of 34207 & 34208 were selected as they are adjacent to zip code 34205 which was the targeted area we focused on during our previous grant awarded by FAF in 2015. We feel by strategically expanding the radius from the initial target area it has a greater impact on the community in reducing the number of free roaming cats in large areas. The targeted zip codes have the highest poverty rates in the county, except for Duette which is a rural community.
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
Urban with a combination of commercial and residential
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 11900  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 1200
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  500
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
We have a network of long-term committed volunteers and community caregivers that continues to grow. We remain in contact with caregivers to assure continued maintenance of the cat colonies, and provide additional support as needed. We ask them to contact us if new cats join the colony so that they can be trapped and neutered to prevent colony growth. As explained below, TNR projects have wide support from local government and the citizenry.
 
Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?
Yes

Please explain what is allowed:
We are very fortunate to have the full support of Manatee County Animal Services through our partnership to implement a county-wide TNR program. In addition, the Board of County Commissioners of Manatee County passed and adopted Resolution R-11-127 on October 11, 2011 to become a No-Kill community. One of the key points listed in the resolution is trap/neuter/release programs for free roaming cats.
(NOTE: FAF will not fund any program this is inconsistent with local ordinances.)
 
For TNR program, list any groups or government agencies who support this TNR effort:
Manatee County Animal Services, Humane Society of Manatee County, Bishop Animal Shelter
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
In this urban area, wildlife of concern would be wild birds, squirrels, raccoons, and possums. Neutered cats are less likely to roam and hunt. Roaming and hunting are further discouraged by providing the cats with a reliable source of food and a safe environment. Also, as part of our TNR process, we give a three-year rabies vaccine to reduce the risk of transmission to and from the cats. We update the vaccine when we recapture one of our neutered cats.
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
We have a volunteer who specializes in mitigation of potential nuisance issues. Her expertise in handling these situations using a combination of education and deterrents, if needed, has been very effective. Neutering will reduce some nuisance issues such as spraying, fights, or aggressive behavior toward pets. We also post suggestions for the public on our website.
 
Will the cats be ear-tipped? Yes
Will the cats be microchipped? No
 
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
GSAL will triage feral/free-roaming cat “hotspots,” then trap, transport, arrange s/n surgery, and return at no charge to community caregivers or low-income owners of roaming cats. We will pay HSMC at cost to provide veterinarians, vet techs, and their high volume s/n clinic facilities to conduct the surgeries.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
We will use these funds to remove 500 cats from the breeding population in the target area (zip codes 34207 & 34208), via TNR, while allowing them to live out their natural lives in their communities. We will use our other funds to fund our adoption program, TNR activities in other areas of the county, and to pay overhead costs.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
Our “baseline” is determined by the amount of funding we have each year. In other words, funding is the limiting factor in the number of cats we can sterilize. Our dedicated volunteers are ready, willing, and able to do more, including more frequent large scale trappings and Spay Day events.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Any free-roaming community cat within the target area would be eligible as long as permission from the property owner and/or caretaker is obtained. Roaming owned cats will be eligible if the owner can demonstrate financial need.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
Flyers, postings, and canvassing in the target area; booths at community events; press releases; feature news articles in the local media; social media; word of mouth.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
GSAL will provide transportation to and from the clinic. One of GSAL's volunteers is bilingual and can assist when needed. We also have flyers and information printed in Spanish explaining our program and TNR process. If other cultural hurdles arise we will take every step needed to overcome these issues and provide the assistance needed.
Does this project involve the transportation of animals by someone other than the client? If so, describe the vehicles, methods for confinement, personnel training, liability releases used to assure the safety of the animals and handlers.
 We have a large fully equipped vehicle specifically designed to transport animals which will be our primary source of transportation. In addition, volunteers provide trucks and vans, if needed. All of our volunteers are trained in the safe handling of stray/feral cats. Cats will be kept in humane traps during transportation, holding, and return to avoid injury to themselves and our volunteers. Release forms are signed by the property owner, pet owner, and/or colony caretaker giving GSAL permission to provide veterinary care as we deem necessary and holding GSAL harmless.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
Humane Society of Manatee County will perform the surgeries at their high volume spay/neuter clinic. Veterinary Emergency Center will also be available to perform spay/neuter surgeries.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
Humane Society of Manatee County2515 14th Street WestBradentonFlorida34205941-747-8808
Veterinary Emergency Center3915 Cortez Road WestBradentonFlorida34210941-896-9420

Fee Range
What is the fee range to be paid for spay and neuter and what is the distribution to be paid by the client vs. the grant program? Keep in mind that Florida Animal Friend grant funds may only be used for costs directly associated with sterilization surgery (including anesthesia and pain control) and not for other items such as vaccines, testing, licensing, and capital purchases.
Amount Paid by Client Amount Paid by Project Total Amount
Range for Male Cats
Range for Female Cats
Range for Male Dogs
Range for Female Dogs
Please check each item below to indicate additional services offered at the time of surgery, whether the client is required to pay for them, and if so what the fee is. For example, if an examination is required for surgery but is not charged to the client it would be marked: Required  Yes, Fee to client No
Required, Optional, or Not Offered Fee to Client?
Examination   
Rabies Vaccination if Due   
Other Vaccination if Due   
Pain Medication   
Parasite Medication   
HW Testing   
Feline Leuk/FIV
County License   
Ear tipping   
Microchip
Other   

None of the anticipated grant funds can be used for any of the above services, except for pain medication.
If necessary, please explain the procedures and fees described above: 
 n/a  
Is this a voucher program? No
 
If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?

 
For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
 
 
Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?

 
Community Collaboration
To assure the success of your program, are there any local groups (such as rescue groups, animal control agencies, TNR groups, local businesses, local media, social service agencies,etc.) other than your organization and your cooperating veterinarians who are committed to assist?
 
 
Please list them and detail their level of involvement with the proposed effort.
NameLevel of Involvement
Bradenton Herald, Bay News 9, and other media outlets Publicize our activities and events
Manatee County Animal ServicesAssist us in identifying areas of concern and fully supports a county-wide TNR program; release ear-tipped cats to us for return; release cats with treatable medical conditions (e.g. scabies) for treatment in volunteers’ homes and return or adoption.
Other local businessesSponsor our fundraisers
Pet SupermarketProvides space to showcase our adoptable cats

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 As part of our community collaboration, Gulf Shore Animal League’s fulfillment is to provide TNR services for free-roaming cats in our community.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 500    Dogs:  0 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $22,500.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $45.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
We will use our other funds to pay for any expenses not covered by the FAF grant.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
As detailed above, we rely on private donations, fundraisers and a share of a Bishop Foundation grant. We will also continue to seek out and apply for available grants.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
30
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 09/01/17/     Projected end date: 08/01/18
 
Unexpended funds
Any unexpended funds must be refunded to Florida Animal Friend within 30 days of the end of the project.

Requests for extensions
Requests for time extensions are discouraged and not often granted. If it is imperative to request an extension, such request must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the end of the project. It is FAF’s policy to seldom grant more than a 30-60 day extension.

Failure to submit reports and requests within the required time period will impact your agency’s future grant applications.
 
Future Funding to Sustain Public Spay/Neuter
*Explain how the organization plans to fund this program in the future. Having sustainable plans including other grants, local donations and other services generating revenue enhances the chances of receiving this grant.
 We have established a reliable donor base. Our fundraising events have been successful and we continue to seek out and apply for grant opportunities for instance the Mary Parker Foundation, PetSmart Charities, Petco, Best Friends Animal Society.
Promotion of Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License Plate
*Applicants selected for funding are expected to publicize their grant in support of their spay/neuter program and promote the sale of the Animal Friend license plate via press releases, newsletters, website links, social media, etc. Please describe your plan to promote the Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License Plate. Grantees are required to submit documentation of promotional endeavors with their final report.
 We will promote the Florida Animal Friend License Plate on our website, social media, publications, press releases and at speaking engagements.