Grants
Funding Better Outcomes for Senior Dogs
Grey Muzzle invests in nonprofit animal welfare organizations whose programs improve outcomes for senior dogs by providing essential care, accelerating pathways to loving homes, and helping families stay together. Through these partnerships, we continue identifying effective approaches that can be replicated and shared nationwide.
Grey Muzzle does not provide individual grants for the care of personal senior dogs. If you’re looking for assistance for a specific senior dog, we encourage you to explore our Grant Partners page to learn more about organizations and programs that may be able to help.
turning grant funding into lifesaving impact
2024 – 2025 Grant Cycle
2026–2027 National Senior Dog Grants
This year we are offering two grants focused on improving outcomes while helping Grey Muzzle identify effective, replicable approaches that keep more senior dogs safe, healthy, and in loving homes.
Pathways Home Grants: Shelters and rescues receive support for programs that help senior dogs move into adoptive, foster, and hospice homes.
Staying Home Grants: Organizations help families overcome challenges that could otherwise lead to surrendering their senior dog.
This grant cycle is now closed. Applications are expected to reopen in early 2027.
2026 Incubator Grants
This grant was designed to support smaller organizations that are improving outcomes for senior dogs while building the capacity needed for long-term success.
By combining funding with mentorship and educational support, the program helps emerging organizations strengthen their programs, improve sustainability, and expand their impact within the communities they serve.
This grant cycle is now closed. Additional application opportunities will be announced as they become available.
Grant FAQs
Do you provide grants for personal senior dogs?
Grey Muzzle does not provide grants for the care of individual senior dogs, including dogs currently in shelters or rescues.
If you’re looking for assistance for a specific senior dog, we encourage you to explore our Grant Partners page. Many of our grantee organizations offer programs and services that may be able to provide support, depending on their location and available resources.
In addition, you may find these resources helpful:
- https://pets.findhelp.com (search by ZIP code for financial help)
- https://www.thepetfund.com/for-pet-owners https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/pet-financial-assistance-resources
Do you provide grants to help individual senior dogs in shelters or rescues?
Grey Muzzle does not provide funding for individual dogs, even those currently in shelters/rescue organizations.
Our funding supports senior dog programs run by nonprofit shelters and rescues. Our grant cycle typically opens in February each year and explains the types of programs we will be funding.
Check back on this page during that time to see if your organization aligns, or you can sign up for our Partners in Progress email which provides grant opportunity notifications.
What types of programs does Grey Muzzle fund?
Grey Muzzle funds programs that improve outcomes for senior dogs by increasing access to essential care, expanding pathways to adoption, foster, and hospice homes, and helping families overcome challenges that could lead to surrender.
Funding priorities may evolve from year to year based on emerging needs and what we’re learning from our grantee partners. Current grant opportunities and program priorities are always outlined in the specific funding announcement when applications open.
Who is eligible to apply for a Grey Muzzle grant?
Each grant has a specific set of eligibility criteria depending on the purpose and goals of the defined program. Please read each grant for those details.
In general, Grey Muzzle provides funding to eligible U.S.A.-based nonprofit animal welfare organizations (including “Friends of” municipal shelter organizations) whose programs improve outcomes for senior dogs.
At this time we do not provide funding for senior dogs that are permanent sanctuary residents.
Can organizations apply if they have never received a Grey Muzzle grant before?
Each grant has a specific set of eligibility criteria depending on the purpose and goals of the defined program. Please read each grant for those details.
In general, Grey Muzzle provides funding to eligible U.S.A.-based nonprofit animal welfare organizations (including “Friends of” municipal shelter organizations) whose programs improve outcomes for senior dogs.
At this time we do not provide funding for senior dogs that are permanent sanctuary residents.
I’m a previous Grey Muzzle grantee. Can I apply again?
Yes. Previous grantees are encouraged to apply for future funding opportunities. Because Grey Muzzle’s funding priorities evolve each year, prior funding does not guarantee future grant awards.
Organizations applying for additional funding should have successfully fulfilled the requirements of any Grey Muzzle grants received within the previous two years, including timely reporting, meaningful participation in required learning and engagement opportunities, and the submission of complete, accurate data that contributes to our ongoing evaluation of senior dog programs.
Each application is reviewed based on the current funding priorities, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria for that grant cycle.
How often does Grey Muzzle offer grant opportunities?
Grey Muzzle’s primary grant cycle typically opens each February, with applications due by mid-March. Additional funding opportunities may be offered throughout the year as new initiatives are introduced.
We encourage organizations to subscribe to our Partners in Progress email updates to receive notifications about grant opportunities, application deadlines, educational resources, and capacity-building opportunities.
How do I access the Grey Muzzle application?
When a grant opportunity opens, a link to the specific application will be available on our website. Grey Muzzle uses Submittable as its grants management platform, so organizations are encouraged to create a free account and complete their organization profile in advance.
Once applications are available, organizations will first complete a brief eligibility form. Those that meet the minimum eligibility requirements will receive access to the full grant application.
While preparing for future funding opportunities, we encourage organizations to begin collecting and organizing information throughout the year, including:
- Senior dog intake and outcome data
- Measurable program goals and results
- How your program increases adoption pathways or prevents surrender
- The services and resources provided to senior dogs
- Program expenses and the cost of care
- Stories, photos, and examples that demonstrate your program’s impact
Having this information readily available will make the application process easier and help your organization present a more complete picture of its senior dog program.
For announcements about upcoming grant opportunities, be sure to subscribe to our Partners in Progress email updates.
How can my organization prepare for a Grey Muzzle grant application?
While funding priorities may evolve from year to year, successful applications clearly demonstrate how an organization’s senior dog program improves outcomes for the dogs it serves.
We encourage organizations to begin collecting and organizing information throughout the year, including:
- Senior dog intake and outcome data
- Measurable program goals and results
- How your program increases adoption pathways or prevents surrender
- The services and resources provided to senior dogs
- Program expenses and the cost of care
- Stories, photos, and examples that demonstrate your program’s impact
Having this information readily available will make the application process easier and help your organization present a more complete picture of its senior dog program.
For announcements about upcoming grant opportunities, be sure to subscribe to our Partners in Progress email updates.
Grant FAQs
As our grant programs continue to evolve, so do the questions we receive from applicants, grantees, donors, and supporters.
Connect with our Director of Grants below for additional assistance with eligibility requirements, reporting expectations, and future grant cycles.
Senior Dog Grants, Resources & Insights
Our “Partners in Progress” emails keep animal welfare professionals informed about Grey Muzzle grant opportunities, best practices, and emerging trends in senior dog welfare.
Subscribers receive:
- Upcoming grant announcements
- Capacity-building resources
- Senior dog program highlights
- Best practices from across the country
- Learning and networking opportunities
- Grey Muzzle news and updates
Our mission is to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing grant funding to animal welfare groups nationwide.
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The Grey Muzzle Organization
14460 Falls of Neuse Road
Suite 149-269
Raleigh, NC 27614 - Phone: (919) 529-0309
- Email: info@greymuzzle.org