Want to turn your great animal lifesaving ideas into cash for your organization? The window for applying for a Maddie’s^® Innovation Grant is open through February 13, 2017.

How can you ensure your great idea has the best chance of being selected? Make sure you’re eligible. This means, along with being a U.S. based 501(c)(3) or government animal welfare organization focused on dogs and/or cats, you must track and share your statistics.

“Transparency is key,” explained Shelly Thompson, Director of Grants at Maddie’s Fund. “We believe posting your data and lifesaving calculation is your organization’s opportunity to share your story with the public and how they can help you.” This applies if your organization isn’t quite where you want to be, or if you’re doing as well or even better than you hoped, she said.

“If your numbers aren’t where you want them, tell the public what you’re working toward, any challenges and what they can do to help you get there. Conversely, if your numbers are great, talk about how they can help you maintain, and where to go from here.”

One important thing to note is that you can’t just pick one number to share. “One number doesn’t give the full story,” said Thompson. “Some of the most common mistakes we see are organizations only posting one number, such as adoptions or intakes, or not showing how their lifesaving percentage was calculated. By only sharing a piece of the puzzle with the public, there’s so much they’re missing out on.”

Applicants must publicly post on their website their annual statistics (using the Basic Data Matrix as a minimum standard) and share their lifesaving percentage, including how it was calculated. It’s also important that applicants include in their application a direct URL link to the page on their website where the statistics can be found. Unfortunately, if the provided link does not lead directly to where your statistics and lifesaving percentage are posted, your application may be declined.

Other requirements include participating in the Million Cat Challenge and Shelter Animals Count, if applicable.

Above all else? Don’t forget to complete your application!

See full grant eligibility requirements and apply today!