Discretionary Funding Resources (2024 update)
In 2023 rescuers doubled the amount of discretionary funding they received, simply by applying in unprecedented numbers. However, doubling a small number, is still a small number and our goal is to double the funding again in 2024.
Here’s why it’s important:
A) Rescuers need the money.
B) Requesting funds is the single most effective way that we get the cat crisis on the radar of the NYC City Council. They don’t know there’s a problem until we ask for money. In every single district, especially where the problem is worst.
The application process opens the first week of January and is due February 20.
Who can apply for discretionary funding?
If you are a 501C3 and have an EIN number.
You can apply to multiple districts and a single council member can approve funds to multiple applicants. Apply to as many districts as logically make sense, but customize the project descriptions. Council members have visibility across applications to other districts, so you don’t want to copy and paste answers.
Consider sponsoring an individual rescuer and applying in their district for funds that can be allocated toward their projects.
How do you apply?
The application takes about an hour. View the application here. (Do not fill out the MOCS/ PASSport info until you get your award because it is a lengthier application process and why bother if you didn’t get awarded yet.)
Your category will be 'Local Initiatives', not ‘Speaker Initiatives’ or ‘City-wide Initiatives’.
Your City Councilmember may have a supplemental form. Call them and find out or email discretionary@council.nyc.gov - this is a general inbox for any questions about discretionary funds and the application process.
Fill out every field. If the field doesn't apply to you, write, 'I rescue cats, this question doesn't apply to me.' Don't leave anything blank and do get creative. If a question asks you to list performance evaluations from federal and state agencies, you can answer with neighborhood testimonials about your work.
Purpose and Use of Funds section: Show the community benefit of what you’re doing. How do you engage the community? It could be inviting them to adoption days, volunteer opportunities, answering help requests to reduce the outdoor cat population, spay-neuter of pets, etc. Avoid the phrase trap-neuter-return. Instead, write about spay-neuter of outdoor cats, community cats, reducing stray cat population, etc.
The application will need to be notarized. E-notaries are available like https://www.notarize.com/
After the application is submitted, request a budget meeting.
The Council Member will start allocating the funds, so don’t wait too long. Within 3 weeks of applying (the sooner the better), contact your City Council Member and request a budget meeting.
Jean Bubley shares her experience with the budget meeting for For Animals: watch video
When do I get the money?
The funds are announced in July. You will need to create an account as a city vendor with PASSPort and HHS Accelerator. This is how the city disburses the funds.
This is a reimbursement so you will need to spend the money before receiving it and submit receipts. If you don’t have funds on hand, you can also apply for a bridge loan within the city payment system.
How much money can I apply for?
First time applicants are typically awarded $5,000 but have also been granted as much as $10,000.
Other resources:
There's a helpful training video on Discretionary Funds from Councilmember James Reyes (from last year)
Susin’s application sample screenshots: 1of2, 2of2
Your work is valuable and worthy of these funds. See who has already received funds here in the schedule C document.
In 2022 there were 6 grants awarded to 5 rescues.
In 2023 there were 13 grants awarded to 9 rescues.
Our goal for 2024 is to get at least 25 grants. This is how we put the cat crisis on the map.