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Ahimsa Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.0M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Ahimsa Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $964,000 (2023)
  • Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $30,000 (average ~$14,400 per grant)
  • Number of Grants: 67 awards in 2023
  • Decision Time: Typically twice annually (May and August cycles historically)
  • Geographic Focus: United States (US-based 501(c)(3) organizations only)
  • Application Type: Invitation only

Contact Details

Mailing Address: Ahimsa Foundation c/o MSSPA, PO Box 10, South Windham, ME 04082

Email: info@ahimsafoundationboston.org

Phone: (857) 248-5007

Website: https://ahimsafoundationboston.org/

Note: The foundation does not accept in-person visitors.

Overview

The Ahimsa Foundation was established in 1982 in Massachusetts and has been supporting animal welfare organizations for over four decades. Based in Boston, the foundation distributed $964,000 across 67 grants in 2023, with revenue of $903,513 derived primarily from investment income and asset sales. The foundation operates with a lean staff structure (1 employee and 5 volunteers) and maintains an 80% program spend ratio, earning a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

The foundation's mission is to provide support to charities focused on animals and environmentally related causes, with particular emphasis on organizations that provide direct care to animals. Ahimsa specifically seeks to help smaller shelters and animal-serving nonprofits, filling a critical gap in funding for grassroots organizations. The foundation is affiliated with MSSPA (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and operates on an invitation-only basis, proactively identifying organizations aligned with their mission rather than accepting unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ahimsa Foundation does not have named grant programs but awards funding through an invitation-only process. Historically, grants for anti-cruelty efforts were awarded twice annually with May 1 and August 1 deadlines, though current practices should be confirmed directly with the foundation.

Typical Grant Size: Based on 2023 data ($964,000 distributed across 67 awards), the average grant is approximately $14,400. Individual grants likely range from $5,000 to $30,000, though exact ranges are not publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

The Ahimsa Foundation actively funds:

  • Direct Animal Care: Organizations providing hands-on care, shelter, and protection to animals
  • Smaller Shelters: Emphasis on grassroots organizations and groups with small budgets
  • TNR/Spay-Neuter Programs: Trap-Neuter-Return programs and spay/neuter initiatives for community cats
  • No-Kill Sanctuaries: Support for facilities providing lifetime care to rescued animals
  • Anti-Cruelty Initiatives: Programs focused on preventing animal cruelty and suffering
  • Environmental Causes: Organizations working at the intersection of animal welfare and environmental protection

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not explicitly listed, the foundation:

  • Does not fund organizations that are not US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits
  • Does not typically support organizations that do not provide direct animal care
  • Focuses on smaller organizations rather than large, well-funded national groups

Governance and Leadership

The Ahimsa Foundation operates with a small team consisting of 1 employee (with average compensation of $55,501 in 2023) and 5 volunteers. The foundation's board and senior leadership details are not publicly disclosed on their website, though this information is available through subscription services like GuideStar Pro and Cause IQ.

The foundation is administratively connected to MSSPA (Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), as indicated by their mailing address "c/o MSSPA."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Ahimsa Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation accepts proposals by invitation only and explicitly does not accept unsolicited proposals.

Historically, the application process involved:

  • Two annual deadlines (May 1 and August 1)
  • Submission of a one-page concept letter including:
    • When the organization was founded
    • The organization's purpose
    • Why a grant is being requested
    • The amount requested

However, organizations interested in being considered for funding are encouraged to contact the foundation directly with questions at info@ahimsafoundationboston.org or (857) 248-5007.

Getting on Their Radar

While the Ahimsa Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations can potentially position themselves for consideration by:

Direct Inquiry: The foundation explicitly welcomes organizations to contact them with questions. Reaching out to introduce your organization and inquire about potential funding opportunities is appropriate. Contact them at info@ahimsafoundationboston.org or (857) 248-5007.

Alignment with Criteria: Ensure your organization:

  • Is a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Provides direct care to animals
  • Operates as a smaller shelter or grassroots organization
  • Has a track record in animal welfare

Visibility in the Animal Welfare Community: The foundation appears to identify potential grantees through their knowledge of the animal welfare sector. Building a strong reputation and presence in the field may increase the likelihood of being noticed.

Connection to MSSPA Network: Given the foundation's administrative connection to MSSPA, organizations working in Massachusetts or with connections to the broader MSPCA-Angell network may have additional visibility.

Decision Timeline

Based on historical information, the foundation has operated on a twice-annual grant cycle with decisions made after May 1 and August 1 deadlines. Current timelines should be confirmed directly with the foundation.

Success Rates

With 67 grants awarded in 2023, the foundation maintains a consistent grant-making practice. Success rates are not publicly disclosed, and given the invitation-only nature, traditional application success rates do not apply in the same way as open grant programs.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Past grantees, such as C.A.R.E. (a no-kill sanctuary), have described being "longtime recipients of Ahimsa Foundation support," suggesting the foundation maintains ongoing relationships with successful grantees.

Application Success Factors

What Matters to Ahimsa Foundation

Focus on Smaller Organizations: The foundation explicitly states it "seeks to help out smaller shelters" and focuses on "groups with small budgets." Organizations should emphasize their grassroots nature and the impact funding would have on their capacity.

Direct Animal Care: The foundation "focuses most of its funding on organizations that provide direct care to animals." Applications should clearly demonstrate hands-on animal care activities rather than advocacy, education, or research alone.

Proven Track Record: Past grantees describe long-term relationships with the foundation. One grantee noted receiving support since 1997 for a TNR program that was "controversial" at the time, suggesting the foundation values organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment and innovation in animal welfare.

Specific Program Funding: Historical guidance indicated concept letters should specify why a grant is being requested and the amount needed. Having a specific project or program in mind (such as a spay/neuter initiative) may be more compelling than general operating support requests.

Examples of Past Funding

  • TNR/Spay-Neuter Programs: A Virginia organization received funding that helped launch "the region's first TNR program in 1997" at a time when such approaches were still controversial
  • No-Kill Sanctuaries: C.A.R.E., which began as a rescue support group in 1992 and opened a sanctuary in 1998, has been a longtime recipient
  • Community Cat Programs: Multiple references to support for community cat spay/neuter programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only does not mean closed: Contact the foundation directly at info@ahimsafoundationboston.org or (857) 248-5007 to introduce your organization and inquire about funding opportunities
  • Emphasize your small-scale, direct-care focus: Ahimsa explicitly prioritizes smaller shelters providing hands-on animal care
  • Be specific about your needs: Historical guidelines called for one-page concept letters specifying the amount needed and purpose—keep communications concise and focused
  • Build your reputation in the field: With ~67 grants annually from $964,000, the foundation appears to proactively identify worthy organizations through sector knowledge
  • Consider the twice-annual cycle: Historically, May 1 and August 1 were key deadlines; plan your outreach accordingly and confirm current timelines
  • Long-term relationships matter: Past grantees describe ongoing support over many years, suggesting the foundation values sustained partnerships with proven organizations
  • TNR and spay/neuter programs are strong fits: Multiple references to support for these specific interventions suggest they align well with foundation priorities

References

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