In 2010, the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) and a committed group of volunteers recognized that there were certain needs above and beyond what the City of Seattle could fund. To better address these needs, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) was formed.
What’s the difference 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 operations of SAS is provided by the City of Seattle. The City provides funds to support basic functions such as adoption services, the spay/neuter clinic, pet licensing, and animal control officers.
The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises private funds in order to provide for programs and services at SAS above and beyond those funded by the City. SASF was formed in 2010 by a group of volunteers at SAS who recognized that there were certain needs above and beyond what the City of Seattle could fund. SASF is run by an all-volunteer Board; a full-time development director who was hired in 2020. SAS management and the SASF Board work closely together to identify key initiatives and priorities to help SAS fund its existing programs, behavioral modification program, advanced veterinary care, and help pet communities in need.
How does SASF help raise funds and where does the money go? Who decides how these funds are spent?
SASF conducts traditional fundraising activities including individual solicitations, corporate donations, and online and email campaigns. SASF also hosts two main events throughout the year: the Furry 5K in the spring and the Furevermore Fundraising Gala in the fall. These efforts raise awareness of SASF’s mission and the needs of animals in the community, and also provide a tax-deductible way for the community to improve the lives of Seattle’s animals. Thousands of dogs, cats and critters are helped every year, and this support is made possible through generous donors and committed volunteers.
SASF’s Board of Directors awards funds to the SAS through a grant proposal and review process. Because SASF funds are not restricted to specific initiatives, SAS and SASF can work together to identify the highest priorities and allocate funds accordingly. Please read SASF’s 2019 Annual Report (available on the SASF website) for details on how funds were allocated in prior years.
In December 2018, SASF hit a milestone of officially awarding SAS more than $1,000,000 in funds since its formation.
How is SASF different from the other funds SAS currently supports, like Help the Animals Fund?
Funds from the Help the Animals Fund (HTAF) and the Pet Population Fund (PPF) can be used for a wide variety of SAS initiatives and address a broader range of needs, both immediate and longer-term. The HTAF and PPF funds are more flexible and immediate and are used without SASF involvement.
What is the long-term vision of SAS and SASF?
SASF will be a recognized leader in the animal welfare community. SASF’s vision is driven by the following guiding principles:
- We are deeply passionate about animals and making a difference in the Seattle community.
- We pride ourselves on being a learning organization.
- Our resource engine is driven by building a stronger community – connecting people and animals.
Everything SASF does is in support of SAS, whose mission is to provide a safe, healthy and caring environment where people and animals can co-exist.
Should I donate to SAS or SASF?
If you want to make a tangible donation to pets currently waiting for their forever homes at the animal shelter, a donation to the Seattle Animal Shelter Amazon Wish List will make a big difference. Blankets, food, treats, and toys all go a long way to providing a comfortable and nurturing environment for pets in need. Unfortunately, do to COVID-19 precautions we are unable to accept drop off donations at this time.
SASF donations are earmarked for all of the existing programs and the behavior modification program. These essential programs would not exist without SASF granting 100% of the operating costs. SASF relies on recurring donations, individual donations and corporate donations to fulfill these annual grants, as well as needs that are not in the SAS budget — such as the construction of the onsite vet clinic, an X-ray suite, construction of dog kennels, cat roaming areas, the critter room and so much more.
To make a one-time or reoccurring donation, check out the SASF donation page.