Empowering Animal Service Organizations: Vancouver Humane Society's Microgrant Program

The Vancouver Humane Society is dedicated to supporting and empowering animal service organizations in their mission to provide care and support to humans and animals in need. These organizations face many challenges, especially when it comes to investing in training and professional development opportunities like the VHS's Trauma-Informed Training Program .?

To address this, the VHS is thrilled to announce a new microgrant program, designed to provide financial assistance to animal service organizations in British Columbia, Canada that wish to participate in the trauma-informed training.??

Here is some of the feedback the VHS has received about the program:?

Some of it confirmed that we are on the right track, our approach is appropriate, sensitive, thoughtful. Some gave new further insights and ideas for future collaborative work with Indigenous communities... Great stuff!

I learned what it actually means to be trauma informed and culturally safe in an in-depth description.

This type of course is a much-needed step in the right direction to help organizations and individuals have a better understanding of working with marginalized people and how to create a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive and safe protocol for their organization.

Participating in these courses was tremendously beneficial for our team and started such an important dialogue - one that is often ignored in the animal sheltering world. Through these courses, we were able to gain a thorough understanding of compassion fatigue which has united our team through the sharing of experiences and feelings. We no longer apologize for our feelings of frustration or sadness when helping an animal in a severe state of neglect, or having difficult conversations with community members who are struggling to provide care for their pets. Instead, we have a conversation together, and validate the feelings we are experiencing.

Through the new microgrant program, the VHS aims to uplift organizations and strengthen their capacity to make a lasting impact on the welfare of animals, their communities, and the organizations themselves.?

Supporting Animal Service Organizations?

The microgrant program is tailored specifically for animal service organizations, such as shelters, rescue groups, and nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to provide care, support, and treatment to animals in need, to cover the operational costs associated with taking the VHS's free Trauma-Informed Training Program . The VHS understands the unique challenges faced by these organizations and is committed to supporting their growth and commitment to learning about and implementing trauma-informed, culturally safe care as well as compassion fatigue and burnout.?

Priority for Indigenous Communities?

The VHS recognizes the importance of Indigenous communities' involvement and their experiences with animal service organizations. Therefore, priority is given to organizations located in or serving Indigenous communities. By focusing on these organizations, the VHS aims to promote cultural sensitivity and enhance the well-being of people and animals within Indigenous contexts.?

Financial Assistance for Training?

One of the main barriers for many animal service organizations in accessing training courses is the financial burden it can impose. Through the microgrant program, the VHS offers financial assistance to cover the operational cost of participating in the trauma-informed training courses or workshops, eliminating this obstacle and allowing organizations to gain valuable knowledge and skills. The VHS wishes to support organizations in expanding their understanding and their impact with trauma-informed, culturally safe care.?

Fostering Organizational Growth?

The VHS understands that small and medium-sized organizations often have limited resources and capacity. Therefore, priority is given to small or medium-sized organizations, recognizing that they may face additional challenges in investing in training opportunities. By supporting these organizations with the operational costs needed to take the trauma-informed training program, the microgrant aims to promote inclusivity and equitable access to resources, helping them thrive and make a greater impact in their communities.?

Reporting and Evaluation?

Transparency and accountability are crucial. Recipients will be required to provide periodic reports on the progress of their projects or initiatives, including basic financial information and impact metrics. This allows for the evaluation of the success of the microgrant program and showcasing the positive outcomes achieved by the organizations who participate.?

How to Apply?

Applying for the microgrant program is simple: Complete the application form . Fill it out with the necessary information, including details about your organization, and how the microgrant will benefit your organization's work and the communities you serve.??

Make a Difference Today?

By participating in the Vancouver Humane Society's microgrant program, you can seize the opportunity to access new tools to improve outcomes as you continue making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the people dedicated to their welfare. Together, we can strengthen the animal service community and create a lasting impact on animal welfare in British Columbia.?

We encourage all eligible animal service organizations in BC, especially those working with Indigenous communities, to apply for the microgrant program. Together, let's empower organizations, uplift animal welfare efforts, and create a more compassionate future for animals and their people in British Columbia.?

Applications will close in January 2024 or when funds are depleted, whichever comes first.?Apply now and let's make a positive change for animals together!

Note: For more information on the trauma-informed training program, please visit https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/trauma-informed-training/ .?