This week we announced that we are providing $3 million in critical disaster relief funding to organizations that are providing direct support to animals in response to the effects of Hurricane Helene. At least $1 million of this funding is available through a rolling application process open now, to cover expenses for urgent needs including supplies, food, transportation costs and veterinary care, and is available to animal welfare organizations directly impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene, as well as organizations responding to provide support to animals in the affected communities. The remainder of the funding will be allocated to key ASPCA partners and regional cornerstone organizations to assist with long-term recovery.

The disaster relief funding is in addition to the $5 million shelter grant initiative we announced at the end of September, putting us on track to provide more than $20 million in grant funding in 2024, a historic high for the organization. Our Hurricane Helene Disaster Response & Relief Grants are made possible in part through a generous gift from The Rachael Ray Foundation™, along with donations from other dedicated supporters.

“While our disaster response teams are on the ground assisting impacted shelters across the disaster zone by distributing vital supplies and supporting with emergency evacuations for shelter animals, there’s still so much more that needs to be done,” said Tim Rickey, Vice President of ASPCA National Field Response. “The ASPCA’s Hurricane Helene Disaster Response & Relief Fund, made possible in part by The Rachael Ray Foundation, will support organizations with their most urgent needs, by providing funding for critical animal welfare resources.”

“Hurricane Helene has devastated shelter and rescue organizations, separated pets from their families, and displaced animals across the southeast," said Christa Chadwick, Vice President of ASPCA Shelter Services. “This grant initiative will allow the ASPCA to support important disaster response partners who are providing critical help and relief to animals and shelters in the affected communities to address their most immediate needs and move animals to safety.”

Our disaster response team is currently coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to establish a statewide pet supply distribution plan to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. We also remain in close communication with local animal welfare partners in Western North Carolina to meet additional needs. For more information on our efforts to help animals impacted by Hurricane Helene, please visit www.aspca.org/helene.

Funding under the ASPCA's Hurricane Helene Disaster Response & Relief Fund will be distributed on a rolling basis. Applications may be submitted now through December 2, 2024, or until funds run out. For more information about the eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit www.aspcapro.org/helenegrants.

As one of the country’s largest animal welfare grant makers, we provide essential grants and collaborate with hundreds of local shelters and rescues year-round, working together to save and improve the lives of animals by providing life-changing tools and resources to help give even more animals a second chance. Since 2001, the ASPCA has provided more than $200 million in grant funding to over 3,500 mission-aligned organizations nationwide. These funds support a variety of programs ranging from increasing pet adoptions to helping communities build strong programs that assist animals during natural disasters, improving access to veterinary care, and partnering with food banks to serve more than 4.3 million pet food meals since 2017.