Why Small Grants Can Make a Big Difference!

When charities and the public think about grant giving organisations and fundraising, the spotlight often falls on large donations and major funding campaigns. But in the world of animal welfare, small grants can have a truly significant impact.

For many smaller, local animal charities, even a relatively modest grant can be the difference between turning an animal away or saving a life. And we all know, when it comes to animal welfare – every life really matters.

At The Belforte Foundation, we believe that small grants can make big changes, particularly when placed in the hands of those who know how to stretch every pound. That’s why we are so proud of our grant programme, which has already helped so many animal charities to enhance their already great work.

Here’s just some of the reason why we think small grants for animals are great!

Helping Where it Matters Most:

Small animal charities often work at the sharp end of rescue and rehabilitation and are often under resourced. Many of these organisations are run by volunteers or small teams with limited funding, so a grant of just £1000 or so might not seem large to some of the bigger charities in the sector, but it could:

• Cover veterinary treatment for several injured or sick animals
• Buy critical supplies like food, bedding, or heating for winter months
• Help part fund or completely fund equipment such as pens, aviaries, or incubators.

As an example, one small grant we issued helped a hedgehog rescue centre purchase some specialised incubators, which enabled them to care for orphaned hoglets during the cold season, an intervention that almost overnight helped save 30 hedgehogs.

Being Flexible and Adaptable:

Large charities often have complex application processes and strict criteria, which can be hard for small charities to deal with – be that through the workload required and the associated time for this, or just the complexity to navigate the process. In contrast, small grants are often more flexible, making them ideal for responding to urgent needs or smaller projects.

One grant that The Belforte Foundation gave was to fund the build of new aviaries rehabilitating larger injured birds, allowing them to adapt to natural environments before release. This relatively low-cost but high-impact solution may have been missed by larger funders.

Building Confidence and Capacity:

Beyond the money alone, receiving a grant can be a huge morale booster for a small charity. It’s a sign that their work is recognised and valued. This confidence can lead to growth, both in terms of the services they provide and their ability to apply for larger grants in the future. It can really be a stepping stone to more funds, and helping more animals too!

Impact – Every Animal Counts:

For us, perhaps the most important reason small grants matter is simple: every animal helped, every animal’s life saved, is worth it. Animal charities are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of animals who need their help, and whilst a small grant may not solve deeper societal or environmental issues overnight, it can, and does, help – often for multiple animals at once. We’ve seen our small grants play a vital role in helping and saving animals that may not have had a chance without the funding, and this means so much to all of our small team.

We know that small grants are not about doing everything or solving every issue, but they are about doing something, and doing it well. Grants in the hands of dedicated animal lovers, even the smallest amounts, help animals – it is as simple as that.  Whether it’s helping to take some pressure off of an overworked rescue or hospital, or replacing inefficient or faulty life-saving equipment,  our grants can serve as a lifeline.

If you think you could be eligible today, be sure to click here to find out more about our funding criteria, reporting requirements and application form. Because when it comes to making a difference, size isn’t everything…..impact is.