29 May 2018 Whittlesea Review, Whittlesea (General News) NON-PROFIT animal welfare organisations can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to turn their great ideas into reality. The Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program is seeking grant applications that benefit creatures great and small. Consideration will be given to applications covering a range of areas including community education programs on responsible ownership of animals, animal relief services and facilities for emergencies, facilities to promote dog exercise and socialisation in parks and upgrades or extensions to facilities to improve the welfare of companion animals. There are small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants ranging from $10,001 to $50,000, up to a total of $250,000. A second round of the program will be run in 2018/19 with a further $250,000 available. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said that animal welfare matters to all Victorians the 2018 Animal Welfare Grants Program will play an important role in supporting the organisations that deliver animal welfare services. I look forward to supporting a range of organisations who will continue this work in 2018 and beyond, Ms Symes said. Previous successful applicants include emergency pet accommodation providers, animal rescue services, animal shelters and education groups. To be eligible for a grant, organisations must be not-for-profit and meet a range of criteria including projects to support the improvement of companion animal welfare. Grants will be assessed by Animal Welfare Victoria in line with the requirements of the Domestic Animals Act. For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfaregrants