Frequently-Asked Questions
What is the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation?
The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching and enhancing the lives of animals cared for by the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS).
What is the mission of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation?
To support the programs and initiatives of the Seattle Animal Shelter by engaging our community, increasing awareness and raising funds.
What’s the difference (or relationship) between the Seattle Animal Shelter and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation?
The Seattle Animal Shelter is responsible for operation of all animal services in the city, and is run by the City of Seattle. Funding for day-to-day operation of the Seattle Animal Shelter is provided by the City of Seattle. SASF is a non-profit organization that raises private funds to provide for programs and services above and beyond those funded by the City. Shelter management and the SASF board work closely together to identify key initiatives and priorities.
Why was SASF formed?
Collectively, the shelter and a committed group of volunteers recognized that there were certain needs that went beyond the scope of what the city could fund. In order to better address these needs, SASF was formed. SASF does not compete with or replace any Shelter functions; rather, it provides additional support to the existing Shelter infrastructure and organization.
How is donating to SASF different from Donating directly to the shelter?
SASF grant funds are more flexible. They can be used for a wider variety of animal shelter programs, to address a broader range of needs, both immediate and longer-term. Click to learn more about what SASF has helped accomplish since 2010.
How does SASF help raise funds?
SASF conducts traditional fundraising activities including individual solicitations, online and email campaigns, and also hosts a number of special events throughout the year. These efforts raise awareness regarding SASF’s mission and the needs of animals in the community, and provide a tax-deductible way for the community to improve the lives of Seattle’s animals.
How are funds allocated and Who decides how they are spent?
SASF’s Board of Directors awards funds to the Seattle Animal Shelter through a grant proposal and review process. Because SASF funds are not restricted to specific initiatives, the Shelter and SASF can work together to identify the highest priorities and allocate funds accordingly.
Who manages SASF?
SASF is managed by one full-time employee and an all-volunteer board who care deeply about the well-being of the animals at the Shelter and want to provide support for them as well Shelter staff and volunteers. SASF currently has a board of 15. In additional to our board members, SASF has dozens of volunteers who help manage the day-to-day operations and events.
How much money has SASF granted to the Seattle Animal Shelter?
Through 2022, SASF has granted over $1.2 million to the Shelter.
What are SASF’s long term plans?
SASF is currently focused on increasing awareness of our work to help expand our funding base. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage the community and increase funding for important initiatives. Over the next several years one area of focus will be helping the Shelter fund critical facility upgrades, including significant improvements to the dog, cat and critter areas. These updates will decrease animal stress levels and improve adoptability, improving overall quality-of-life for animals while they are at the shelter. SASF will continue to work closely with SAS to identify critical Shelter needs that can be addressed through SASF funding.