Changing the fortunes of vulnerable dogs and their owners
So often, our dogs play an irreplaceable role in our lives. As best friends, walking buddies and loyal companions, their unique personalities brighten our days and enrich our experiences. That’s why it’s so hard to cope when life throws us challenges that threaten to separate us from the four-legged friends we cherish.
The aim of the Chelsea & Mr French Welfare Fund is to provide urgent, life-changing support for vulnerable dogs and their owners at exactly these kinds of moments.
Whether someone is facing illness, homelessness or struggling to escape from domestic violence, the Fund exists to offer immediate respite and relief. It makes it possible for people to take difficult decisions and turn circumstances around for themselves and their dogs.
“Through times of personal, physical and emotional crisis, my wonderful dogs sensed my anxiety and literally would not leave my side. They were completely in tune with my energy. But when I needed care outside the home, I waited an inordinate amount of time to receive this, because I had no one to look after my two dogs. It’s an awful position to be in. I want to ensure that we can give support to vulnerable people, who are in need of temporary care for their dogs. Whether this is due to critical illness, or an untenable domestic situation. Support should be there for the dogs in a secure, loving and supportive environment. Until such time that the owner and pet can be safely reunited.”
Ms Seymour, Founder of the Chelsea and Mr French Welfare Fund
Who can apply?
The Chelsea and Mr French Fund is named after two beloved dogs who gave comfort and support to Ms Seymour, a generous supporter of the Trust. She established the Fund in honour of Chelsea, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and Mr French, a Bichon Frise, so that their legacy of love and companionship could continue.
The C & M F Fund which is open to all small dog health and welfare charities who support dog owners in times of personal struggle. In particular those owners that fear the separation of their beloved dogs due to hardship of crisis. A grant from the Fund can help to transform a challenging situation into support that’s more caring, compassionate and practical. From providing emergency veterinary treatment, to sourcing excellent temporary foster-care for their pets. The charities we support will ensure their number one priority is a better outcome for dogs and their vulnerable owners.
Criteria
The Fund wishes to support small dog health and welfare charities which work with individuals and their pets in vulnerable or threatening situations, or where dogs provide support to their vulnerable owner. Examples might include persons in domestic violence circumstances, homeless persons and their support dogs. Persons suddenly incapacitated or unable to care for their beloved dog. Providing support to the canine companion, enabling the person to reach out for help themselves, resting assured that the canine will be in a safe place and receiving any necessary veterinary support, until such time that the person and their dog can be safely reunited.
Applicants must be a registered charity in the UK and should have an annual income of not more than £500,000. If the charity’s most recent annual accounts show income above this figure, they may still be considered, but only if any anomalies can be satisfactorily explained.
The recommended maximum grant amount for application will be £10,000. However, if a charity feels they have extenuating circumstances to request a larger amount, we would welcome an explanation. There will be no minimum grant amount.
Successful applicants will be expected to submit a short report to demonstrate the impact of the grant, along with an image where feasible, at 4, 9 and 12 months after receiving a grant. The KCCT will use these Case Studies for future promotion of the Fund.
You can see examples of some of the charities we have supported on our news page.
Apply
Apply online using the online application form here.
Alternatively, you can complete and download the form. Once completed either post to us in hard copy, or preferably email it to us. Details are on the form. The application form can be downloaded here.
Applications will be assessed quarterly. There are no application deadlines. If you have any questions, please contact us at fundraising@kennelclubcharitabletrust.org