NEW YORK STATE — New York agriculture and markets commissioner Richard Ball announced that $10.4 million is available to support animal shelters, rescues and humane societies in making critical infrastructure upgrades at their facilities. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on December 20.

This is the seventh round of funding dedicated to New York State’s Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state-funded program in the nation to support animal shelter improvement projects. 

Funded projects will enhance animal care at shelters and ultimately help to ensure increased adoptions for New York’s dogs and cats. In total, 98 projects have been awarded across New York so far. 

Municipal and incorporated nonprofit pounds, shelters, humane societies and rescue facilities are eligible for the grants. Those can be used to offset the costs associated with projects such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. 

Funds must be used to support capital projects, including construction, renovation, rehabilitation, installation, acquisition, or expansion of buildings, equipment, or facilities necessary for the secure containment, health, and adequate care of sheltered dogs and cats.

Applicants need to provide a minimum of 10 percent of the total project costs. 

Learn more at agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0342-companion-animal-capital-projects-fund.