Stanton K9 Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5 million (initial seed funding in 2024)
• Historic Funding: Nearly $5 million in grants (2013-2024 under parent foundation)
• Success Rate: Non-competitive - all eligible departments that complete the process receive funding
• Decision Time: As little as 3 weeks from initial application to approval
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $32,000 (depending on program)
• Geographic Focus: New England (MA, NH, RI, ME, VT, NY)
• K9 Units Established: 100+ departments funded (2013-2024)

Contact Details

Chief Richard McLaughlin (Ret.)
Program Manager, Stanton K9 Foundation

Address:
c/o Hemenway & Barnes LLP
75 State Street, 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Phone: 781-521-0267
Email: richard.mclaughlin@stantonk9foundation.org
Website: https://stantonk9foundation.org/

Overview

The Stanton K9 Foundation was established in 2024 when The Stanton Foundation seeded it with $5 million to continue the legacy of supporting police K9 programs across New England. The foundation represents the continuation of a highly successful program that, between 2013 and 2024, funded more than 100 K9 units across six states. Founded on the philanthropic vision of Dr. Frank Stanton, the long-time president of CBS (1946-1971), the foundation's canine welfare mission stems from Stanton's personal experience when his Corgi received critical veterinary care, leading him to recognize that many could never afford such treatment. The Stanton K9 Foundation operates on a unique non-competitive model, awarding grants to all eligible departments that successfully complete the application process and commit to maintaining their K9 units for a minimum of five years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

K9 Unit Establishment Grants: $32,000
The foundation's flagship program covers comprehensive start-up costs for establishing a K9 unit in departments without one, or adding a second K9 to departments with proven success. The grant includes:

• Purchase of the dog (typically German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, or Belgian Malinois)
• Training costs for handler patrol school (10-14 weeks)
• Kennel facilities at the officer's home
• Retrofitting a cruiser for exclusive K9 unit use
• Food and veterinary care for the first three years
• Up to $1,100/week reimbursement during patrol school
• $4,500 flat reimbursement after secondary training completion

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with review completed within 10 business days.

Fallen K9 Replacement Grants: Up to $15,000
A nationwide program (not limited to New England) honoring K9s who have died in the line of duty within the past 12 months. This grant covers:

• Purchase of a new K9
• Bulletproof vest for the K9
• Funds available within two weeks of invoice submission

This is a non-competitive program available to any U.S. police department that has lost a K9 during deployment, transportation, training, or patrol activities.

Priority Areas

Geographic Focus:

• Massachusetts (primary focus - 75-80 grantees)
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island
• Maine
• Vermont
• New York
• Connecticut is NOT currently eligible

Eligible Recipients:

• Municipal police departments
• Sheriff's departments
• Departments that have not had a K9 unit in the last 5 years
• Departments willing to commit to a minimum 5-year K9 program

Training Requirements:

• Handler must complete full patrol school (10-14 weeks)
• Secondary certification required (narcotics detection, explosives detection with bomb squad affiliation)
• Training must occur at Stanton K9 Foundation approved facilities
• Both patrol and secondary training must be completed within 2 years of initial grant

What They Don't Fund

• Labradors as police K9s (breed not supported for patrol work)
• Departments that had a K9 unit within the last 5 years
• K9 replacements due to genetic/medical conditions (for Fallen K9 program)
• K9 replacements due to handler/departmental error (exceptions considered case-by-case)
• K9s that died outside approved service contexts or more than 12 months ago (for Fallen K9 program)
• Police departments outside eligible geographic areas (except for Fallen K9 program which is nationwide)

Governance and Leadership

Chief Richard McLaughlin (Ret.)
Program Manager
Chief McLaughlin serves as the foundation's K9 program manager, evaluating grant applications and making determinations about line-of-duty K9 deaths. He brings law enforcement experience to the role and conducts final handler interviews with the foundation's experienced K9 trainer.

Organizational Heritage:
The Stanton K9 Foundation was established in 2024 as a separate entity to continue the work of The Stanton Foundation's K9 program. The parent foundation was created by Dr. Frank Stanton to support areas where he was "unable to complete his charitable intentions during his lifetime," focusing on three areas: advancing canine welfare, supporting nuclear and international security policy research, and protecting First Amendment rights and civic education. The Stanton Foundation is no longer accepting new proposals but continues to support existing programs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

K9 Unit Establishment Grant Application Process:

Step 1: Letters of Support (3 business days for acknowledgment)

• Submit two signed letters:
  • One from the police chief
  • One from the town's chief administrative officer
• Foundation acknowledges receipt within 3 business days

Step 2: Application Document (10 business days for review)

• Police department completes short Application Document
• Foundation reviews within 10 business days

Step 3: Handler Selection

• Department interviews and selects K9 handler using existing protocols for specialty positions
• Selected handler participates in confirmation interview

Step 4: Confirmation Interview

• Foundation's experienced K9 trainer conducts interview with handler
• Ensures handler understanding and commitment

Step 5: Grant Agreement

• Town's chief administrative officer completes Grant Agreement
• Chiefs and handlers must carefully review all terms
• Town establishes separate fund for K9 program

Step 6: Grant Distribution

• Foundation provides full grant amount of $32,000
• Payment occurs 6-8 weeks before patrol school begins

Step 7: Training Completion

• Handler completes patrol school (10-14 weeks)
• Secondary training in narcotics or explosives (typically 8-9 months after patrol)
• Submit training certificates
• Receive final reimbursements

Fallen K9 Replacement Grant Application:

• Complete application on foundation website
• Await Foundation approval
• Sign certification statement
• Purchase K9 and bulletproof vest
• Submit invoices within 6 months of acceptance
• Receive reimbursement within 2 weeks of invoice submission

Decision Timeline

K9 Unit Establishment Grants:

• 3 business days: Acknowledgment of Letters of Support
• 10 business days: Review of Application Document
• Total process: As little as 3 weeks from initial submission to approval
• Grant payment: 6-8 weeks before patrol school begins

Fallen K9 Replacement Grants:

• Application review: Non-competitive, reviewed as received
• Reimbursement: Within 2 weeks of invoice submission
• Invoice deadline: Within 6 months of application acceptance

Success Rates

The Stanton K9 Foundation operates a non-competitive grant program, meaning all eligible departments that successfully complete the application process and commit to the 5-year K9 program receive funding. There are no artificial limits on the number of grants awarded. Between 2013 and 2024, the program funded over 100 K9 units across six states, establishing a track record of supporting every qualifying department.

Reapplication Policy

K9 Unit Establishment Grants:

• Departments that previously had a K9 unit must wait 5 years before reapplying
• Departments with successful existing K9 units can apply for a second K9 through the "Second Dog Program"
• Multiple grants possible for the same jurisdiction (e.g., Amherst, Lawrence, and Claremont have each received 2 grants)

Fallen K9 Replacement Grants:

• Available whenever a K9 is lost in the line of duty (within 12 months)
• No waiting period between applications if multiple K9s are lost

Application Success Factors

Non-Competitive Model Advantage:
The foundation explicitly states: "The Stanton Foundation will award grants to any eligible department that successfully completes the application process and commits to maintaining the K9 unit for a minimum of five years." This means success is not about competing against other departments, but about meeting eligibility requirements and demonstrating commitment.

Critical Success Factors:

1. Five-Year Commitment: The foundation seeks departments and handlers willing to commit to maintaining the K9 unit for at least 5 years. This long-term commitment is explicitly required in the grant agreement.

2. Dual Support: Both the police chief AND the town's chief administrative officer must sign letters of support. This demonstrates both operational and municipal-level buy-in.

3. Training Compliance: Both patrol and secondary training must be completed within 2 years of the initial grant. Departments must use foundation-approved training facilities.

4. Handler Selection: Departments must follow their existing protocols for selecting specialty position assignments. The selected handler will be interviewed by the foundation's experienced K9 trainer to ensure understanding and commitment.

5. Financial Readiness: Beyond the grant, departments must be financially prepared to support the K9 program long-term, including training costs and ongoing care after the initial 3-year period covered by the grant.

6. Geographic Eligibility: For K9 Unit Establishment Grants, departments must be located in MA, NH, RI, ME, VT, or NY. The Fallen K9 Replacement Grant is available nationwide.

7. No Recent K9 Unit: Departments applying for K9 Unit Establishment Grants must not have had a K9 unit in the last 5 years (unless applying for a second K9 through the established program).

What Sets Applications Apart:
Given the non-competitive nature, the key is thoroughness and demonstrating genuine commitment rather than competing on quality. Complete all documentation carefully, confirm understanding of the 5-year commitment, and ensure both police and municipal leadership are fully aligned.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Non-competitive means accessible: This foundation awards grants to ALL eligible departments that complete the process successfully. Focus on meeting requirements rather than crafting a competitive narrative.

• Speed is remarkable: The entire process can take as little as 3 weeks from initial application to approval, with grants distributed 6-8 weeks before training. This is exceptionally fast compared to most grant processes.

• Comprehensive coverage: The $32,000 grant truly covers the full spectrum of K9 unit establishment, including 3 years of food and veterinary care - significantly reducing the financial barrier to entry.

• Commitment over credentials: The foundation prioritizes long-term commitment (5 years minimum) over department size, budget, or previous K9 experience. They're investing in lasting programs, not one-time initiatives.

• Training flexibility with structure: While training must occur at approved facilities and include both patrol and secondary certification, departments have up to 2 years to complete the process, and secondary training typically follows 8-9 months after patrol school.

• Multiple funding opportunities: Departments can receive more than one grant - either for a second K9 after proving success with the first, or for Fallen K9 replacement if tragedy strikes.

• Nationwide support for fallen K9s: While the K9 Unit Establishment program is limited to New England, the Fallen K9 Replacement Grant is available to any U.S. police department, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to honoring all service K9s.

References

1. Stanton K9 Foundation Official Website. "K9 Unit Establishment Grants." https://stantonk9foundation.org/ (Accessed February 13, 2026)

2. Stanton K9 Foundation. "How to Apply - K9 Unit Establishment Grants." https://stantonk9foundation.org/k9-unit-establishment-grants/apply (Accessed February 13, 2026)

3. Stanton K9 Foundation. "FAQ - K9 Unit Establishment Grants." https://stantonk9foundation.org/k9-unit-establishment-grants/faq (Accessed February 13, 2026)

4. Stanton K9 Foundation. "K9 Grantees - Participants List." https://stantonk9foundation.org/k9-unit-establishment-grants/participants (Accessed February 13, 2026)

5. Stanton K9 Foundation. "Fallen K9 Replacement Grant." https://stantonk9foundation.org/fallen-k9-replacement-grant (Accessed February 13, 2026)

6. Stanton K9 Foundation. "Contact Information." https://stantonk9foundation.org/contact (Accessed February 13, 2026)

7. The Stanton Foundation. "Canine Welfare Programs." https://thestantonfoundation.org/canine-welfare (Accessed February 13, 2026)

8. The Stanton Foundation. "K9 Unit Establishment Grants." https://thestantonfoundation.org/canine-welfare/k9-programs (Accessed February 13, 2026)

9. Massachusetts Municipal Association. "Grants offered for establishment of K-9 programs." https://www.mma.org/grants-offered-for-establishment-of-k-9-programs/ (Accessed February 13, 2026)

10. Stanton Foundation - Wikipedia. "History and Mission." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanton_Foundation (Accessed February 13, 2026)

11. Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. "The Stanton Foundation - Sponsor Profile." https://www.massvet.org/sponsors/the-stanton-foundation (Accessed February 13, 2026)

12. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "The Stanton Foundation - EIN 13-3598005." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133598005 (Accessed February 13, 2026)

13. Instrumentl. "The Stanton Foundation 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/133598005 (Accessed February 13, 2026)