Get ready for the 2023 Open Arms Challenge where $420,000 in grant prizes will be available!
This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and inclusive practices. Twenty-two national organizations are joining forces to encourage animal shelters and foster-based organizations to pilot new approaches that welcome your entire community during the month of April.
And as if increased inclusivity and community engagement weren’t incentive enough, there’s also $420,000 in grant prizes available!
Save the date: Registration will open on January 23 and close on January 30, 2023.
The goal of this Challenge is to increase inclusivity and provide a welcoming environment for all community members. What that looks like is different for every organization. It can be as simple as providing literature in multiple languages or returning voicemails in a timely manner to overhauling the adoption application, undertaking bias training or focusing on neighborhoods where adoption events are not held.
Important Dates:
- Registration Period: Monday, January 23, 2023 – Monday, January 30, 2023 (Apply through our grants portal until 5pm PST on January 30, 2023)
- Prep Period: March 1 – March 31, 2023. This is your chance to prepare for your new welcoming practices (update policies/procedures, train staff, etc.)
- Challenge Period: April 1, 2023 – April 30, 203. During this time, you will pilot your new practices.
- Participation Reports Due: Friday, May 19, 2023 (see a sample of that report)
- Final Report (via Zoom Huddle) for Award Winners: September 2023 (see sample questions)
To be considered to PARTICIPATE in this Challenge, your organization must:
- Be a U.S.-based government agency or 501c3 public charity that focuses on dogs and/or cats
- Be a shelter, foster-based organization or public charity that focuses on keeping pets and people together
- Be current on Maddie’s Fund grant reporting for any prior grants
- Be a member of Shelter Animals Count
- Register for the Challenge by submitting a complete application through the Maddie’s Fund Grants Portal. You’ll be notified by February 17, 2023 if you meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the Challenge.
- Recommended but not required: Maddie’s® Pet Forum, Maddie’s® University, Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Dashboard
To be considered for an AWARD from this Challenge, your organization must:
- Meet the requirements above
- Submit the Participation Report (due Friday, May 19, 2023 by 5pm PST). (View sample Participation Report) Please note, this sample is provided for reference only and questions are subject to change.
Responses