Emily Vernon Foundation For Homeless And Abused Animals Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $107,100 (approximately)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $52,000
• Number of Grants: 3-5 grants annually (varies by year)
• Median Grant: $5,000
• Total Assets: $14.1 million (2024)
• Geographic Focus: Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina
• Application Method: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Mailing Address: Emily Vernon Foundation For Homeless And Abused Animals Inc 5315 South Shore Blvd Wellington, FL 33449-6031

Phone: 954-752-6329

Administrative Contact: Beller Smith, PL 2101 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 316 Boca Raton, FL 33431

Note: The foundation does not have a publicly available website or email address.

Overview

The Emily Vernon Foundation For Homeless And Abused Animals Inc was established in 2005 as a Florida private independent foundation. With total assets of $14.1 million and annual giving of approximately $107,100, the foundation supports organizations working to prevent animal cruelty and provide assistance in the care of homeless and abused animals. The foundation is classified under NTEE code T22 (Private Independent Foundations) and operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The foundation's mission focuses specifically on giving to organizations that work to prevent animal cruelty or provide assistance in the care of homeless and abused animals. Beyond animal welfare, the foundation also supports initiatives in environmental conservation, community and economic development, housing development, and human services. The foundation operates primarily in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina, funding organizations in cities including Loxahatchee, Paris, Salley, and West Palm Beach.

In recent years, the foundation has generated significant revenue primarily through sales of assets (98.1% of revenue in 2024), allowing it to maintain a strong financial position while supporting select animal welfare organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program focused on animal welfare and related causes. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $52,000, with a median grant size of approximately $5,000. The foundation awards between 3 and 5 grants annually.

Grant Distribution:

• The foundation makes grants on an invitation-only basis
• No fixed application deadlines or rolling basis - trustees select beneficiaries at their discretion
• Organizations cannot apply directly for funding

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes funding for:

• Animal Protection and Welfare: Organizations working to prevent cruelty to animals, particularly focusing on homeless and abused animals
• Domesticated Animals: Care and rescue of companion animals, including equine rescue (the foundation is recognized within the equine rescue community)
• Environmental Conservation: Projects related to environmental protection
• Community and Economic Development: Initiatives that strengthen communities
• Housing Development: Projects addressing housing needs
• Human Services: Select human service organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation:

• Does not accept unsolicited grant applications
• Does not fund organizations outside their preselected beneficiary list
• Likely does not fund organizations outside of Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Timothy Scanlon, President: Serves without compensation. Mr. Scanlon oversees the foundation's strategic direction and grant-making decisions.

• Sharon Scanlon, Vice President: Receives annual compensation of $78,504 for her work with the foundation. Ms. Scanlon is actively involved in day-to-day operations and grant administration.

The foundation operates with a small, family-oriented governance structure typical of private independent foundations. The Scanlons maintain direct oversight of all grant-making activities and beneficiary selection.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Emily Vernon Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Organizations cannot submit grant applications, letters of inquiry, or proposals. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, with trustees identifying and selecting beneficiary organizations through their own research, networks, and discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations seeking support should focus on:

Establishing Visibility in the Field:

• Build a strong reputation within the animal welfare community, particularly in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina
• Ensure your organization is listed in major animal welfare directories and databases
• Maintain excellent transparency through timely filing of Form 990s and other public documents
• Participate in animal welfare networks and coalitions where foundation trustees might learn about your work

Known Grantee:

• Peggy Adams Animal Rescue has been identified as a grantee, suggesting the foundation supports established animal rescue organizations with proven track records

Equine Focus:

• The foundation is listed among equine grant providers in the horse rescue community, indicating an interest in equine welfare organizations

Geographic Presence:

• Organizations in Wellington, Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach (Florida), as well as parts of Kentucky and South Carolina may have better visibility to the foundation

Important Note: Even with strong visibility, there is no guarantee of consideration, as the foundation trustees exercise complete discretion in selecting beneficiaries.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications. Grant decisions are made at the discretion of the trustees based on their own timeline and priorities.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of the foundation's grant-making.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply or reapply as the foundation does not accept unsolicited requests.

Application Success Factors

Since direct applications are not possible, success in receiving support from this foundation depends on factors entirely outside an organization's control:

Factors That May Influence Trustee Selection:

1. Proven Track Record: The foundation likely selects organizations with demonstrated success in animal welfare, particularly in preventing cruelty and caring for homeless and abused animals.

2. Geographic Location: Organizations operating in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina appear to be within the foundation's geographic focus area.

3. Size and Scope: With grants ranging from $5,000 to $52,000 and only 3-5 grants awarded annually, the foundation appears to support a limited number of organizations, possibly focusing on specific projects or operational needs rather than general operating support.

4. Animal Welfare Focus: Organizations working with domesticated animals, particularly those focused on rescue and abuse prevention, align with the foundation's core mission.

5. Equine Welfare: The foundation's inclusion in equine grant directories suggests potential interest in horse rescue and sanctuary organizations.

6. Financial Transparency: Maintaining strong financial practices and transparent reporting may be important to trustees when identifying potential beneficiaries.

Note on Strategy: Organizations should focus on building their reputation and impact rather than attempting to solicit this foundation, as unsolicited requests are not accepted.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Application Process: This foundation does not accept grant applications, letters of inquiry, or unsolicited proposals of any kind. Do not attempt to contact them with funding requests.

• Invitation Only: The foundation operates entirely on trustee discretion, selecting beneficiary organizations through their own research and networks.

• Small Grant Program: With only 3-5 grants awarded annually totaling approximately $107,100, this is a highly selective funder with limited capacity.

• Animal Welfare Focus: The foundation's mission centers on organizations preventing animal cruelty and caring for homeless and abused animals, particularly domesticated animals.

• Geographic Scope: Grant recipients are located primarily in Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

• Build Visibility, Not Relationships: Rather than attempting to cultivate a relationship with this foundation, focus on building your organization's reputation and visibility within the animal welfare community in their geographic focus areas.

• Research Alternative Funders: Given the invitation-only nature and small grant program, animal welfare organizations should invest their time in researching and applying to foundations with open application processes rather than attempting to access this foundation.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Emily Vernon Foundation For Homeless And Abused Animals Inc. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/203785692 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

2. Grantmakers.io Profile - Emily Vernon Foundation for Homeless and Abused Animals Inc. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/203785692-emily-vernon-foundation-for-homeless-and-abused-animals-inc/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)

3. Candid Foundation Directory Online - The Emily Vernon Foundation for Homeless & Abused Animals Inc. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=VERN414 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

4. Charity Navigator - Emily Vernon Foundation for Homeless and Abused Animals Inc. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/203785692 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

5. GuideStar Profile - Emily Vernon Foundation for Homeless and Abused Animals Inc. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-3785692 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

6. Cause IQ - The Emily Vernon Foundation for Homeless and Abused Animals. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/emily-vernon-foundation-for-homeless-and-abused-an,203785692/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)

7. GrantExec - The Emily Vernon Foundation For. https://grantexec.com/foundations/203785692 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

8. Grantable - THE EMILY VERNON FOUNDATION FOR | Foundation Profile & Grants. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/the-emily-vernon-foundation-for-us-foundation-203785692 (Accessed February 10, 2026)

9. Homes for Horses Coalition - Grants. https://homesforhorses.org/resources/grants/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)