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Remy Fund makes first-ever grants for 2011
Hoover businessman and charity auctioneer Ken Jackson has a passion for pets. Now he is fulfilling it in a new way through the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services, a special Field of Interest Fund of the Community Foundation, which announced $15,000 in grants for 2011. These grants, awarded to three nonprofit organizations serving the Birmingham region, go to:
• Bama Bully Rescue, $5,000 to support the organization’s work to find homes for Pit Bulls and other “Bully” breeds that have been abandoned, abused or neglected.
• Momakat Rescue, $5,000 to support spay/neuter surgeries for abused or neglected cats.
• Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch, $5,000 to support animal-assisted therapy programs that involve at-risk and disadvantaged youth working with horses rescued from abuse, neglect or abandonment.
“The Advisory Committee chose these three organizations out of 21 that applied,” said James McCrary, Vice President Grants and Evaluation for the Community Foundation, which set up the on-line grant application and in-person review process. “These grants will leverage the positive efforts already going on at these three strong and highly organized agencies.”
Jackson established the Remy Fund in 2010 with a $250,000 gift. A set amount of grants will be made from the fund each year, with Community Foundation staff and members of the Remy Fund committee working together to review proposals.
“Animals are my passion,” said Jackson. “With these grants, the Remy Fund is fulfilling the dream of providing additional support to organizations that are doing such great work with traditional companion animals – cats, dogs and horses.”
“The Remy Fund makes it possible for organizations to compete against others with similar goals,” McCrary added. “The priorities of the Remy Fund also provide a human benefit by impacting public health and community issues that are important to all our Community Foundation grantmaking.”
Stated areas of priority for the Remy Fund are:
• Rescue/shelter programs for traditional companion animals
• Spay/neuter programs
• Animal-assisted therapy programs involving traditional companion animals
• Education and advocacy programs (promoting the humane and dignified treatment of traditional companion animals)
• Service dog programs
In addition to Jackson, members of the Remy Fund committee include Beth Franklin; Debra Linton, CPA; James “Murphy” Lynch, DVM; Beverly Virciglio, CPA, and Carol Stewart, attorney.
If you share an interest in pets and pet services, you can make a gift to the Remy Fund on-line or by check. If you represent a nonprofit organization, the 2012 grant cycle is open May 1 through May 25, 2012 and you can apply on-line. Contact James McCrary with any question.
If you want to know more about how you can support important results in our community using a variety of gift assets, contact Erin Stephenson.
