Patterson Foundation Funding Priorities
Assistance dog grants
We fund nonprofits whose dogs help veterans and people with disabilities
The Patterson Foundation grants funding for organizations that provide service animals to veterans and people with disabilities. In general, support is limited to organizations that are members or candidates of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). At this time, the Patterson Foundation is also awarding grants only to organizations that breed and raise puppies for placement and not rescue or shelter animals.
In this focus area, the Patterson Foundation will consider applications focused on one of the following requests:
Capital Projects that expand an organization’s capacity to serve individuals in need. For example, funding may be used for construction or renovation costs to help expand capacity. Per our funding guidelines, grants cannot be used to purchase supplies or equipment. In general, individual grant amounts vary up to $35,000, depending on the project goals and scope.
Personnel funding Awards may help cover costs for individuals or staff who are directly related to puppy breeding, raising and training. Programs may receive up to $10,000 in support, depending on goals and impact.
Puppy raising This funding will be aimed at helping support programs that are directly related to puppy breeding, raising and training. Grant amounts vary up to $35,000.
Program support Separate from any of the other funding options, this grant award may be used to support programs that help improve the client experience, expand awareness or access to underserved populations or to help with general operation budget items for your organization. Individual grant amounts vary up to $10,000, depending on scale and impact.
Funding exclusions In general, the Foundation will not consider requests for the types of products or services sold by Patterson Companies, including dental or veterinary supplies, software and equipment (a local branch of a Patterson company may consider donating products), individuals, and more. For a full list, please review the Patterson Foundation exclusion documentation.
Assistance dogs application process
The Patterson Foundation makes it easy for you to apply for a grant online. Please read the instructions below before starting the application process.
Renewal grants Contact the Patterson Foundation to be given access to our renewal application form at patterson.foundation@pattersoncompanies.com.
2025 application deadlines
Completed applications must be received by:
Friday, January 24 for consideration on Tuesday, April 8
Friday, April 18 for consideration on Thursday, June 26
Friday, July 25 for consideration on Wednesday, October 1
Friday, October 10 for consideration on Thursday, December 11
See application instructions for information on how to begin the application process through our online grants management system.
Assistance dogs application instructions
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Step 1: Review our mission and guidelines
- Programs that relate directly to the Patterson Foundation’s primary interests are most likely to receive funding.
- At this time, funding for startup costs or new projects will be considered only if the grant will reduce operating expenses or will expand capacity without increasing costs.
- Contact us if you have questions regarding our mission and guidelines. We will gladly assist you in determining if your program qualifies for consideration.
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Step 2: Create an account
- Select one email address and password to be used for all applications in our grants management system.
- We recommend that you use the email address of the person responsible for administration of the grant. The Patterson Foundation will send all communications to this email address.
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Step 3: Letter of inquiry for new applicants
- The first step in our application process is to complete the letter of inquiry form.
- Our staff will review your letter of inquiry. If your program appears to further the goals of Patterson Foundation as stated in our guidelines, you will be asked to complete our online application.
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Step 4: Grant application
- Your organization will be invited to complete the grant application once your LOI is approved. If you are a returning grant recipient, please complete our Renewal Application in the grants management system.
- Your application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the day of the deadline.
- You may be contacted by our staff for additional information about your request.
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Step 5: Final decisions are made
- Most applications require 60 to 90 days for consideration, depending upon when the Patterson Foundation board meets to consider requests.
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (CT) on the deadlines noted. Decision letters, including award checks to grant recipients, are mailed or delivered within 90 days following the board meeting.