Purina Foundation awards $1.165 million in grants to nonprofits across US to support animal welfare efforts

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The Purina Foundation supports community causes and critical needs in the 25 cities where Purina has operations. (Purina Foundation)

The Purina Foundation continued its support of animal welfare efforts in 2025 by awarding $1.165 million in grants to 27 nonprofit organizations across the United States.

The backstory:

The Purina Foundation was established in 1951 by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company founder William H. Danforth, and each year distributes $1 million to nonprofits aiming to support pets, people and the environment and strengthen the human-animal bond in Purina communities. 

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Dig deeper:

Purina says in 2025, the foundation prioritized support for organizations and programs that deepen the human pet bond and improve access to pet care and veterinary services. 

Grants awarded to organizations that improve access to pet care and veterinary services: 

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for the renovation of its Family Pet Center.
• Watertown Humane Society in Jefferson, WI, to build a new veterinary resource clinic for shelter and community pets.
• North Scott Community School District near Davenport, IA to purchase veterinary science and technology equipment for the new Regional Innovation Center.
• Iowa Central Community College Foundation to support its veterinarian training program that provides free veterinary care and nutrition support to local shelter pets in Fort Dodge, IA.
• Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Missouri for new equipment at its onsite veterinary clinic.
• Humane Society of Deaf Smith County for the construction of a new low-cost spay and neuter clinic for shelter and community pets in Hereford, TX.
• Flagstaff Shelter Services to create a new pet-friendly emergency shelter for the local unhoused community in Flagstaff, AZ.
• Susquehanna Service Dogs in Mechanicsburg, PA to increase the organization's capacity for placing service dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD.
• Peninsula Pet Pantry in King William, VA to construct a new kitten nursery, which will also serve as a pet food distribution site for families in the community.
• The Haven Zoo in Hartwell, GA to add a barn structure to properly store supplies, as well as care for sick animals.

Grants awarded to organizations that support education and community engagement:

• Clinton County Agricultural Society towards renovations to the community center used by local 4-H clubs in Clinton, IA.
• Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa County to renovate and expand its teen center in Miami, OK.
• Folds of Honor Foundation to fund a scholarship program for family members of fallen and disabled veterans and first responders in Oklahoma City, OK.
• The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Bloomfield, MO to renovate museum exhibits and create a community education program for area young people.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension in Dunkirk, NY to expand the reach and effectiveness of the Chautauqua County 4-H Dog Program.
• Ellsworth Agricultural Education & FFA Chapter in Hager City, WI for the development of a new agricultural education lab.

Grants awarded to organizations that enhance local communities through various initiatives:

The 160 nonprofit agencies that make up United Way of Greater St. Louis, provide essential needs, such as healthcare, education and financial security to more than 1 million people across the St. Louis region.

• Denver Police Foundation to create a new Pups on Patrol community engagement program.
• Upper Macungie Township Community Fund to help build a new community center near Allentown, PA.
• RiverLife, Inc. to provide wheelchair ramps to those with mobility challenges in Fairburn, GA.
• Draper Volunteer Fire Department for purchasing new rescue equipment in Eden, NC.
• City of Hereford, TX for renovating a community playground to add wheelchair accessibility.
• Guernsey County Fraternal Order of Police to establish a veterinary care fund for the department's K9 officers, and the Cambridge Police Department to build and enhance kennels for the department's K9 officers. Both these police departments serve the Zanesville, OH community.

The Purina Foundation provided assistance in response to natural disasters in 2025

In 2025, several natural disasters impacted communities across the U.S., including an EF3 tornado in Purina's hometown of St. Louis.

The Purina Foundation provided grants to support relief efforts, including:  

• Greater Good Charities' support for people and pets impacted by the Southern California wildfire in January, as well as support for flood relief efforts in Central Texas in July.
• The St. Louis Community Foundation and United Way of Greater St. Louis for clean-up and relief efforts following the St. Louis tornado in May.
• The Cape Area Community Foundation for relief efforts to support those impacted by the tornado that hit Delta, MO in April.