Grant ID: 1807
Title of Proposal: Full Circle Community Cat Program
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $24,975.00
Check Payable To: Cat Depot
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Cat Depot Website Address: http://www.catdepot.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Maria Sadowski Position: Communication's Specialist
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Shelley Thayer Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 2542 17th St City: Sarasota
State: FL Zip: 34234
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 941-366-2404 Fax: 941-366-2407
Cell:    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 01/22/2004
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 07/01/16    End: 06/30/17
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $2,377,825.33
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $2,315,604.88
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 32  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 179
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 481.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? Previous recipient
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2016, 2014, 2010, 2008 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
1392010FAF 2010Funded
1782010Cat Depot FAF GrantDenied
2882012Florida Animal Friend 2012Denied (not completed)
3622013Community Cat TNR ProgramDenied (not completed)
14032014Backyard Sterilization Project: Targeted Spay/Neuter of Community Cats and Personal Pets Funded
16122006 Denied
16132007 Denied
16142008 Funded
16452016Full Circle Community Cat ProgramFunded
18072018Full Circle Community Cat ProgramFunded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Ken SlavinPresident941-504-6820Retired
Linda SlavinVice President941-387-0553Consultant
Michael SiegelSecretary941-365-0550Attorney

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
1464  cats and 0  dogs were admitted.
1405   cats and  0   dogs were adopted.
112   cats and  0    dogs were euthanized.
2093   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. 
Cat Depot's Community Cat program started in 2011. The program's goal is to TNVR colony, community, and free­roaming cats, as well as income­-qualified personal pets. The program also gathers information, tracks community cat colonies, and supports colony and personal pet care. A fund was established in 2015 to provide medical care for injured and sick community cats and personal pets. We also have a community food bank that gives out an average of 1,627 pounds of dry food and 730 cans of wet food each month to support pet safety net practices of keeping cats in homes when food or medical care is an issue. Every month, Cat Depot feeds approximately 250 personal pets and over 500 community cats. In November 2014, Cat Depot opened a low­ cost cat care clinic where TNVR services are provided five days a week, with emphasis on TNVR Tuesdays. In 2017, the clinic neutered 647 cats and spayed 709 cats. In addition, we provide free or discounted spay and neuter services for the public. Cat Depot loans traps to the public seven days a week and trains individuals on humane trapping procedures. During 2017, we hired a full time TNVR specialist who is currently training six new teams of volunteers. These teams will be ready to deploy to calls, work with cat colonies, and assist with community cats in general. The TNVR specialist will also train officers at Sarasota County Animal Services and the public in humane deterrent solutions, safe trapping, and other community cat issues. The objective is to assign a colony care giver to every colony, spay/neuter all cats, check for any cats who may be suffering or need medical care, and provide food resources if needed. Our Community Cat Program Manager Cody Carlson and TNVR Specialist Jo Fogarty both have extensive TNVR training and experience. Cody Carlson has worked in animal welfare for seven years, and has been a Community Cat Program Manager for four years, including tracking of colony cats. She has trained with TNVR staff at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay under their TNVR manager Darlene Esposito. Cody's experience includes positions such as Customer Care Technician, Adoptions Counselor, Admissions Counselor, and Shelter Manager. Jo Fogarty is a Veterinary Technician and has worked in animal welfare for 11 years. Jo’s experience includes positions such as Animal Care Technician, Adoptions Counselor, Veterinary Technician, Adoptions Manager, and Surgical Technician. She has had the opportunity to work with TNR organizations throughout Central Florida as well as welfare organizations including the ASPCA. Jo and Cody both have a passion for improving the lives of Community Cats through TNR and Return to Field programs.
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? 
We currently have a steady program in place funded by grants and private donations. One grant comes from Sarasota County and another grant comes from a family foundation. If grant funds are not available, an individual donor provides funds for the program. We provide TNVR five days a week. We can currently spay/neuter an average of 16 cats per day, though we have increased that number to the low twenties during times of high demand. Last year, Cat Depot rescued and found homes for 1085 kittens; proof that there is still an urgent need to sterilize free­roaming cats. Additional resources are needed to continue efforts, and additional funding will allow Cat Depot to sterilize more cats. We have the capacity to do more, but are limited by funds.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
 Zip codes 34231, 34232, and 34234. We would also like to include community cats that come to us from Sarasota County Animal Services. 
Total human population in target area: 81025 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 34 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 24554 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 20257 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 13505 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 521 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 501 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 170 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 64 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
Sarasota County Animal Services estimate the number of feral cats in the target area to 12,218.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 Personal pets are not spayed or neutered, owners lack knowledge, transportation and funding, and owners/caretakers aren't aware of available resources. In addition, too many feral cats are unsterilized and able to reproduce. Unwanted kittens are born, creating hoarding situations, or are left roaming the streets to fend for themselves.
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?
The resources in the county include ARC ­ Animal Rescue Coalition ­ an organization that follows the Humane Alliance model. They rely on grant funding which may or may not be applicable to people in the zip codes where resources are needed. In addition, like many organizations, they don't always have grant funds for free sterilization. Low cost services are always available. Buddy's Feral Cat Program offers limited free spay and neuter services through a local veterinary clinic. There is also Sarasota in Defense of Animals who may or may not offer TNVR services, depending on funding availability. In conclusion, there is a need that we have the capacity to fill.
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 target area consists of three zip codes 34231, 34232, 34234 that together make up an area of approximately 27 square miles. We would also like to use the grant funds for spay/neuter of community cats pulled from Sarasota County Animal Services - this will have a direct impact on their live release rate and cats in problem areas.
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
These zip codes have the largest number of both intake and euthanasia at Sarasota County Animal Services.
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
The area is a combination of commercial and residential properties in a suburban setting.
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 33599  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 17349
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  555
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
Since 2011 we have registered colonies and monitored, assisted and rescued cats from colonies. Caregivers call when there is a new arrival to sterilize or rescue. Every month we provide food for registered colony cats, and trappers and volunteers have committed to this program consistently since inception. We have never missed a month of adequate food for distribution or medical aid.
 
Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?
Yes

Please explain what is allowed:
Cat colonies are allowed, and TNVR efforts are accepted in Sarasota.
(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:
Sarasota County Animal Services support Cat Depot's TNVR efforts. In addition, Sarasota County have acknowledged our efforts with spay/neuter grants for pet cats in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
Cat Depot's Community Cat Food Bank provides food for those who support community/feral cats and income­qualified residents in need of food for their personal pets. The Food Bank helps lessen the cats' negative impact on birds and other wildlife through providing them a steady source of food.
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
Our TNVR efforts will lessen the negative impact of these cats through preventing the colonies from growing. We bring pregnant cats and kittens as well as friendly stray cats to our adoption facility, removing them from the streets and helping them find loving homes. During 2018, our new TNVR specialist will have educational sessions with officers from Sarasota County Animal Services and the public on humane deterrent options. We are also working on a new set of informational material that will
 
Will the cats be ear-tipped? Yes
Will the cats be microchipped? Yes
 
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
Our seasoned and committed staff and trappers are key to the program's success. Together with our cooperation with Sarasota County Animal Services, they can provide more cats than we have funds to sterilize. With your support, we can TNVR a greater number, reducing euthanasia statistics, increasing the live release rate from Animal Services, and prevent suffering of moms and kittens struggling to survive on their own.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
We will reduce unwanted kitten births and unnecessary suffering, and increase the live release rate from Animal Services. We will also educate the public in these areas regarding spay and neuter, and show how we can enhance their community through colonized care and sterilization. Cat Depot plans to sterilize 555 cats in the target area. The program will not stop after the grant money has been depleted; we will apply for additional funding through grants, donors, and fundraising efforts. Every cat will receive a microchip ensuring its safe return should it be picked up by Animal Services. Cat Depot will help pick up microchipped cats from Animal Services, should the caregiver be unable to transport.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
In 2014, we provided TNVR for 530 cats. In 2015, the number increased to 1,278 plus 370 discounted sterilizations for owned cats. This number has increased every year, and in 2017, we sterilized 2,093 cats. With your support, we hope to reach 3,000 in 2018.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Eligibility for personal pets will be determined by a short questionnaire that includes income qualifications using government low income guidelines and records the name, address, and phone number of the pet owner. Community/feral cats in the target area will qualify automatically.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
We will reach the target audience through a combination of media, including press releases and advertising in local free papers distributed in the target area. Flyers will be printed at Cat Depot's cost and distributed by staff and volunteers and at our monthly food bank. Literature will be available at Cat Depot and on our website, and we will advertise the program on our social media pages. We will also alert local humane organizations who could potentially receive calls for help from this area. The spay/neuter clinic will be advertised on our prominent LED sign outside Cat Depot's facility. In addition, we have neighborhood bi­lingual flyers for distribution at local convenience stores, churches and neighborhoods.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Volunteers and staff are ready to transport cats as needed. Several members of Cat Depot's staff including Cody Carlson and one of our veterinaries are bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. Educational literature explaining the benefits of spay/neuter will be distributed, and this information is also available in both English and Spanish. During the last grant period, staff and volunteers went door to door in low income areas, seeking out residents to hand out flyers in person and talk about TNVR. This gave a great approach, and we plan to do the same thing again.
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.
 If transportation is not available, Cat Depot staff or trained volunteers will transport animals in humane traps or carriers. Cat Depot has trained transporters, and they are required to show proof of insurance and a valid driver's license. All transporters sign a "hold harmless" waiver that covers health and transportation. Cat Depot has liability and volunteer insurance. Transporters must have reliable/safe transportation and several volunteers use Cat Depot's cargo van for moving cats. We have two vehicles for transport and a rescue trailer able to comfortably accommodate 75 cats. Cats trapped in the evening that must wait for their procedure are given water and placed in a quiet environment with a sheet covering their cage. At Cat Depot, all cats are handled by trained veterinary technicians and assistants.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
Surgeries will be provided by our in-house veterinarians, primarily in our Rose Durham Cat Care Clinic, but also in the shelter clinic.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
Rose Durham Cat Care Clinic2542 17th StSarasotaFL34234931-366-2404

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 grant funding will cover the sterilization procedure and pain medication. Cat Depot will cover FVRCP vaccine, Revolution, Rabies vaccine, Microchip and any medical needs.  
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
Local Humane OrganizationsCat Depot collaborates with all local humane organizations. We post each other's flyers for free TNVR and personal pet sterilization. We also take calls for help from other groups to trap and rescue or TNVR community cats.
Local PressWe will issue press releases and enlist their help in spreading the word about the program.
Sarasota County Animal ServicesAnimal Services will alert us when they receive calls from the target area, making it possible for us to assist. We take community cats from them for sterilization, vaccination, and return to field. We also take in kittens and pregnant cats, and we have committed to bring a minimum of eight adoptable cats to our adoption center per month. Our cooperation will increase during 2018 - officers now carry informational material, and we are coordinating educational efforts around community cats and humane deterrents for nuisance complaints.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 To ensure that goals, standard operating procedures, and program timeline stays on track, pets taken in under the TNVR program are recorded in a spreadsheet and reported in weekly staff notes. Knowing how many cats are recipients helps us keep track and review monthly goals and expenses.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 555    Dogs:  0 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $24,975.00 
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.):
For each cat, Cat Depot pays $4.53 for Revolution, $1.03 for Rabies vaccine. $4.95 for microchip, and $.98 for FVRCP vaccine. This money comes from general funds or grants. Cat Depot pays for cats requiring additional medical care from an ongoing Community Cat Fund. Transportation when needed and informational material is also paid for from general funding or grant funds.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
In 2015, Cat Depot started a new program called the Community Cat Care Fund. This fund is promoted heavily and is used for emergency care. Private donors, committed to TNVR assist and we are constantly applying for grants to cover additional costs. If grant funds are not secured, TNVR costs are paid from general funding.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
74
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 07/01/18/     Projected end date: 06/30/19
 
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.
 Cat Depot is committed to the TNVR program. We have private donors supporting these efforts, and continuously apply for grants to be able to offer free or low­cost services. We also have a number of fundraisers through the year that help support community cats.
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.
 Cat Depot will issue press releases, promote the program prominently on our website and social media pages, and write about it in both print and electronic newsletters. Adopters who show proof of a FL Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License Plate will be given a $10 discount of the adoption fee per cat. We place rack cards promoting FL Animal Friend license plates in our Shelter lobby, Cat Care Clinic, and adoption bags.