The William A. Harrison Jr. Foundation saw an unmet need in the Greater Richmond animal welfare community, and was inspired to create Furbish Thrift to help address it. In Furbish Thrift, the Foundation built a sustainable revenue stream through retail sales of goods donated by the community, and crafted a hub uniting local animal welfare organizations, community partners, and individuals who care about animal welfare. Profits from Furbish Thrift are reinvested in the animal welfare community through grants and our programs.

In 2024, we are opening our first competitive grant cycle to support animal welfare in the Greater Richmond area. We look forward to supporting Richmond area nonprofits.

2024 William A Harrison, Jr Foundation Grant Guidelines

The William A Harrison Jr Foundation (WAHJF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 competitive grant cycle. WAHJF will consider applications from nonprofit organizations serving or rescuing animals in the Greater Richmond Virginia area.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity in good standing with the IRS;
• Applicants must be an animal welfare organization, and
• Applicants must be incorporated and operating in the greater Richmond area. Greater Richmond comprises seven counties (Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan) and the City of Richmond. (see map)

Grantmaking Priorities

• Programs that provide for the rescue or welfare of domestic, farm or wild animals
• Programs that help seniors keep their pets
• Programs that address the needs of pet owners with socio economic challenges
• Trap Neuter Return programs for feral cats;
• Public outreach, advocacy and educational program expenses; and/or,
• Organizations providing support to smaller, local animal rescue or assistance organizations.

Grant Size, Notification, and Final Reporting
Grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $5,000 per organization. An estimated $20,000 will be available for distribution. It is anticipated that grants will be announced by March 1, 2024. A final grant report will be required; grantees may be requested to provide an update on the progress of their grant-funded project during the grant cycle and also during the next year’s application cycle if they reapply for funding.

Grant funds must be expended within one year of award and must be used for the purpose described in the submitted proposal.

Extensions may be allowed, but must be approved in writing in advance.

Application Deadlines and Review
Applications must be submitted electronically through our online grant portal. Applications will be accepted starting January 2, 2024, and are due by Friday, February 2, 2024, 5:00 p.m. The WAHJF Grants Committee members will review applications and make funding recommendations to the WAHJF Board of Directors for approval.

The deadline for Spring 2024 applications has closed. Grants will be announced in March. 

Questions?
Contact Laura Cotterman at [email protected]