Grant ID: 1745
Title of Proposal: Fixin' Country Cats
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $11,000.00
Check Payable To: Hamilton Humane Society, Inc.
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Hamilton Humane Society, Inc. Website Address: HamiltonHumaneSoci.wixsite.com/HHSI and FACEBOOK
Person Submitting Proposal: Katie Rooney Position: Secretary, Grant Writer, Board Member
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Lori Johnson Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: P. O. BOX 9 (940 OAK ST) City: JENNINGS
State: FLORIDA Zip: 32053-0009
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 386-938-4092 Fax:
Cell:    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 07/26/2012
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 01/01/16    End: 12/31/16
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $4,745.81
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $356.81
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 0  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 12
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 175.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? North Florida PAWS, Inc. (North Florida People for Animal Welfare Society, Inc)
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 0 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 0
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
17452017Fixin' Country CatsFunded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Katie RooneySecretary, Board of Directors386-938-4092Retired Administrator
Lori JohnsonPresident, Treasurer, Board of Directors386-855-2812Veterinary Technician, Acccountant
Rita GouldMember, Board of Directors386-938-5265Veterinary Technician, Dog Trainer
Stacy AllenVice President, Member Board of Directors386-330-2495Retired Correctional Officer

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
15  cats and 31  dogs were admitted.
15   cats and  24   dogs were adopted.
0   cats and  1    dogs were euthanized.
15   cats and  30    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. 
Our humane society was formed because Hamilton County has no county animal services or animal shelter. We are working with the cities of Jasper and Jennings and members of the County Commission to form a partnership to build an animal shelter and perform animal services. In the meantime, we are placing rescued pets in foster homes pending adoption. We collaborate with North Florida PAWS, Inc., including helping with their 2016-2017 FAF grant. Our active board members and volunteers include a former Administrator with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, two Veterinary Technicians, an Accountant, and a Dog Trainer/Behaviorist. These combined talented personnel are more than qualified to manage this grant.
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? 
Currently we spay and neuter all dogs and cats who enter our program through contributions and utilizing low-cost clinics at North Florida Animal Rescue in Wellborn, FL, and South Georgia Low-cost Spay Neuter Clinic in Thomasville, GA, as well as discounted services provided by our local veterinarian at Lake Park Veterinary Clinic. Funding beyond our local fund raising activities is needed to expand subsidized spay neuter to low-income members of our community.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
Hamilton County and Madison County 
Total human population in target area: 28,847 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 29.7 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 8742 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 7212 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 4808 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) N/A 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) N/A 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) N/A 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) N/A 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
The estimated number of animals in the target area is significantly higher than the national average because it is a very rural, economically depressed region with a below poverty level 15% higher than the national average and high school dropout rate 15.7% higher than the national average. Most families have multiple intact pets. They and an unchecked feral cat population are all left to roam large tracts of open country and woods.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 Primary cause are low-income owners and families without the financial means to spay and neuter multiple pets and feral cats or the equipment and ability to transport.
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?
There are no low-cost spay neuter options in the target counties (Hamilton and Madison). The nearest two non-profit veterinary clinics are in Suwannee County and Thomasville, Georgia. Many owners cannot afford even their low prices. Also the clinics are only within a reasonable driving distance for persons with reliable transportation and our volunteer transporters.
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.
The targeted community and feral cats reside on private property within 1,235 square miles (519 in Hamilton and 716 in Madison counties).
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
Pet owners and caretakers must be in receipt of income-based government assistance in the form of Food Stamps, Medicaid, or SSI and receive no more than 150% of Federal poverty income guidelines.
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
The entire targeted area is rural and designated either residential or agricultural.
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 0  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 0
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  300
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
Owners and caretakers do not manage formal TNR colonies; however, many have groups of ferals are already living on their property and being cared for. With assistance to sterilize these cats, they can stop the continuing reproduction and continue caring for the remaining cats and any new arrivals.
 
Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?
No

Please explain what is allowed:

(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:
The following organizations will support this program: North Florida PAWS, Inc., Town of Jennings Animal Control, town of Jasper Animal Control, Suwannee Valley Humane Society in Madison County, and Madison County Animal Control.
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
Owners and caretakers can call upon the Humane Society if there is a concern wildlife is being adversely impacted, particularly due to a lack of cat food which can be provided.
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
Owners and caretakers generally live on large parcels of land which reduces the potential for neighbor disputes and nuisance complaints.
 
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.
Applicants will apply directly with a representative of the Hamilton Humane Society. Representatives are available to go to the residences and assist with traps, carriers and/or transportation as needed to help the most needy owners/caretakers.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
We anticipate completing 300 surgeries. 200 females @ $40 each from grant funds and 100 males @ $30 each from grant funds. Clients will be responsible for a $5 co-pay.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
Eligible owners and caretakers are not able to sterilize any of the cats they are responsible for. Perhaps a few find private assistance so, for this population, we estimate these surgeries will be at least a 99% increase.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Eligible clients must be in receipt of income-based government assistance via Food Stamps, Medicaid, or SSI in the name of the adult owners and receive no more than 150% of Federal income guidelines. Proof includes a valid ID matching the name of the qualifying documentation.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
The successful methods we use are posting flyers (English and Spanish) in places frequented by low-income families such as local health departments, libraries, etc.). Local radio stations and newspapers have always been supportive of publicizing press releases. We also use social media, particularly Facebook, and our website. Followers help us by sharing and spreading our announcements.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Volunteers are experienced working with our diverse cultures and are available to help clients with completing forms, providing traps, transportation, and any other problems which may arise.
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.
Volunteers who help with transportation and other needed assistance are limited to those with experience dealing with animals. Written releases of liability and proof of auto insurance are mandatory.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
The South Georgia Low-Cost Spay Neuter Clinic in Thomasville, Georgia, is a non-profit, private veterinary clinic. They have agreed to perform all of the surgeries at the agreed prices listed in the Fee Range which are lower than their regular charge of $60 per cat.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
South Georgia Low Cost Spay Neuter Clinic425 Covington Ave.ThomasvilleGA31792229-236-7297

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: 
The Humane Society will subsidize rabies vaccination fee for those clients whose financial situation warrants on a case by case basis.  
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
Big 98 Radio Station WQHL in Live Oak, FLScott Berns will provide free advertising for this program on his daily morning show, Monday through Friday. This station's listening area includes Hamilton and Madison counties.
City of Jasper Animal ControlCity of Jasper in Hamilton County officials and Animal Control will promote the program and provide hands-on assistance to their citizens.
City of JenningsCity of Jennings in Hamilton County officials and Animal Control will promote the program and provide hands-on assistance to their citizens.
Jasper (Hamilton County) Radio station WJHC 107.5Free advertising on the local daily radio show hosted by Jayson Veley from 5pm to 6pm Monday through Friday. This station's listening area includes Hamilton and Madison counties.
Jasper NewsProvide free and on-going publicity for the program. The Jasper News is one of several newspapers published under the Suwannee Democrat out of Live Oak, Florida.
Madison County Animal ControlMadison County Animal Control will promote the program and provide hands-on assistance to their citizens.
Madison County Carrier and the Madison Enterprise RecorderThese two newspapaers are published by Greene Publishing Company in Madison, Florida. They provide free advertising through press releases.
North Florida PAWS, Inc.Full support to carry out all aspects of this program from providing advice to hands-on volunteer activities.
WMAF Country Radio in Madison CountyFree advertising through press releases for this program.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 North Florida PAWS, Inc., which has years of experience assisting our community with spay neuter services will provide advisory and hands on assistance in promoting and carrying out this project. This collaborative effort will continue into the future. We all believe that prevention is the most important method of reducing the number of unwanted and abused pet animals.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 300    Dogs:  0 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $11,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $37.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
Rabies vaccinations for $5 each will be born by the clients except that the Humane Society will pay this fee and the $5 co-pay for the most indigent clients on a case-by-case basis. There is no charge for ear notching. Associated expenses for advertising such as printing and postage will be paid by the Humane Society.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
Any unexpected associated expenses will be paid by the Humane Society. Volunteer transporters will absorb fuel costs.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
85%
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 08/01/17/     Projected end date: 07/31/18
 
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.
With our proven success managing this grant, we will request other national grants; donations from local supporters, organizations and businesses; support from local government organizations; events; and fund raising activities. In addition, we have an ongoing Fund Raising Plan which will increase available funds.
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.
The Humane Society will continually promote FAF's Spay/Neuter License Plate program on our website, social media, flyers, press releases and articles in the print and radio media, and at all events where we have a presence.