Grant ID: 1787
Title of Proposal: Cat-astrophy Prevention Too!
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: SNiP-it of Central Florida
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Protectors of Companion Animals, Inc. d/b/a SNiP-it of Central Florida Website Address: letssnipit.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Susan Muncy Position: Clinic Director
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Erin Zebell Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 3096 Michigan Ave City: Kissimmee
State: FL Zip: 34744
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 407-476-4748 Fax: 407-536-5898
Cell:    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 11/09/2001
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 01/01/17    End: 12/31/17
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $414,798.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $393,883.58
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 6  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 20
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 10.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? Previous award recipient
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2016 Year(s) denied/incomplete:
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
16872016Cat-astrophy Prevention!Funded
17872018Cat-astrophy Prevention Too!Funded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Erin ZebellPresident407-476-4748Attorney
Karen BrownVice President407-476-4748Teacher
Kristen ArringtonSecretary407-476-4748Campaign Manager
Sara WoodTreasurer407-476-4748Administrative Assistant

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
0  cats and 0  dogs were admitted.
0   cats and  0   dogs were adopted.
0   cats and  0    dogs were euthanized.
2994   cats and  1642    dogs were sterilized.
  
Briefly describe your animal programs:
 
If your program performs adoptions, are all animals sterilized before adoption? 
No
If not all, what percentage of animals are not currently sterilized before adoption? 
N/A
If not all, how are animals selected for sterilization before adoption? 
SNiP-it of Central Florida does not do adoptions
If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization after adoption:
SNiP-it of Central Florida does not do adoptions  
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. 
SNiP-it of Central Florida opened under the Humane Alliance High Volume, Low Cost Spay/Neuter clinic model and has been successfully providing affordable services to animals since it opened in Aug. 2016. Since opening, the clinic has performed over 7,000 surgeries to date.
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? 
The clinic uses the HA business model to provide affordable spay/neuter services but there are pet owners and community cat caregivers who are unable to afford even these prices. Therefore, we look to donations and grants to subsidize our low cost to help provide these necessary services to more people.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Orlando 
Total human population in target area: 394351 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 20.3 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 119501 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 98588 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 65726 
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.
Based on the our previous year's clients geographical location, these are the areas that seem to require the most attention for community cats and financially challenged families.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 The primary reason for overpopulation in these areas is the lack of availability of affordable spay/neuter services within their community. The second would be the lack of public understanding on the benefits of sterilization. Thirdly, the lack of affordable resources and assistance for caretakers of feral cats in the area.
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?
Private vet practices within the area have not dropped their prices to make sterilization affordable or even try to compete with us. Many do not offer a reduced rate for feral cats. Where there are some lower cost clinics outside of this area, they are booked out for months for services and this is not acceptable when there are kittens being born every day! The SNiP-it clinic is providing these services in an area that most needs it.
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 boundaries of the targeted TNR will be within the boundaries of the cities of Orlando, St. Cloud and Kissimmee. It is approximately 141 square miles.
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
Since there are some zip codes that overlap the targeted area and another city, we will use the city address from their government issued ID and the colony address will be checked to make sure it falls within the targeted city limits. The clinic software uses validated Geocoding to enter addresses and therefore we can ensure compliance with the program.
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
The targeted area is rural, suburban and urban. There are feral cat colonies in commercial, residential and agricultural areas.
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 50000  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 17000
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  700
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
SNiP-it of Central Florida has initiated a TNR committee made up of all volunteers who perform TNR on a monthly basis within the targeted area. They trap and sterilize approximately 50 cats per month. Colony information is recorded and the group educates the community for future needs and requirements on managing a cat colony. Follow-ups are provided as needed.
 
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:
Osceola County Animal Services actively supports our low cost clinic and our TNR efforts. CARE Feline TNR, Spay the Strays, Helping Paw are some other non-profit TNR groups that assist and support our efforts.
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
Educational information by ASPCA and Alley Cat Allies will be available for those who voice their concern regarding the threat of the local wildlife by cats. Every effort will be made to listen to and alleviate this concern. In addition, Osceola County Animal Services provides free deterrents to residents should they need them.
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
Educational materials developed by Osceola Animal Services will be available for those who voice their concern regarding nuisance issues with cats. Every effort will be made to listen to and alleviate this concern. Last resort measures on relocation may be considered if all other options are exhausted. CARE Feline TNR offers some guidance on this subject along with Alley Cat Allies. In addition, Osceola County Animal Services provides free deterrents to residents should they need them.
 
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.
As stated earlier, SNiP-it of Central Florida has its own in-house team of TNR volunteers who currently engage in these programs on a monthly basis. This grant will ensure that this program will continue and possibly grow.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
The goal of the program is to sterilize 700 cats in the community. The expected benefit is that this will increase awareness of affordable spay/neuter services which will increase the number of services provided to animals in the targeted area in a 12 month period.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
2776 TNR and community cats were sterilized last year. Our goal is to increase that number by 25% and the 700 will allow us to accomplish this goal.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Eligibility will be determined by matching the client address on government issued ID with the city of the targeted area and validating the information within the clinic software system.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
We will advertise on our Website and social media pages like Facebook and Twitter. We will also share the information with our supporting organizations like CARE Feline TNR, Spay the Strays, and Osceola County Animal Services. We will have flyers for distribution at local retail stores like Pet Supermarket, Petco and PetSmart. We will send out email blasts to our members and followers.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Transportation barriers will be addressed on a one by one basis. If a localized area has multiple clients with the same need, a temporary transport system may be set up. There is a large Hispanic population within the targeted area. Educational materials are available in Spanish and English to address this need. Every effort will be made to educate the public on the benefits of spay/neuter and ensure the success of this program.
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.
Not at this time. If necessary, guidance from the Humane Alliance transport procedures will be used.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
SNiP-it of Central Florida is a non-profit high volume, low cost spay/neuter animal clinic currently performing 30-35 surgeries per day on average. Once a month the clinic spends one day performing s/n surgeries on 50 +/- feral cats.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices

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 spay/neuter package for cats includes: 3-day injectionable pain medicine. A 1-yr rabies vaccine is required at no charge if the client is unable to provide proof of vaccination. 500 TNR cats will be sterilized for free at a cost of $40 to the Project and 200 owned cats will be sterilized for $25 at a cost of $25 to the Project.  
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
CARE Feline TNRClient/Patient referrals
Helping PawsClient/Patient referrals TNR program volunteers
Osceola County Animal ServicesClient/Patient referrals
Spay the StraysClient/Patient referrals TNR program volunteers

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 The SNiP-it Clinic is providing a great service to the community and is building its practice to perform over 7,000 surgeries per year.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 700    Dogs:  0 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $36.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
Community cats will be ear-tipped, vaccinated (rabies and FVRCP) and receive 3-day injectionalble pain medication at no additional cost to the client. Owned animals will be able to purchase vaccines and other services at an additional charge. The $25 charge to owned animals will go toward paying the expenses for the vaccinations of the Community Cats.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
SNiP-it of Central Florida is working with Osceola County Animal Services to provide s/n services for them as much as possible for shelter animals or for Community Cat colonies identified by them. The $25 collected from the owned cats will be used toward the vaccines for the TNR cats.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
90
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 09/01/18/     Projected end date: 08/31/19
 
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.
Our organization has at least 3 annual major fundraising events which generates about $10k and is growing. In addition, the business model is a sustainable one based on provided spay/neuter services in a very economic and efficient manner but with the highest standards of care to the animals.
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 advertise on our Website and Facebook social media pages. Flyers will be displayed on our counters and as part of the receipt after services have been provided. In addition, we will ask our supporters to cross promote on their social media pages. We will also distribute flyers at all of our public outreach events.