~ ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for its Spay and Neuter Grants Program FY27 Grant cycle. The program, which aims to reduce intake and euthanasia rates in animal shelters across the state, will award approximately $850,000 in funds to eligible projects.

The grant application window opens on January 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM and will close on April 17, 2026 at 5:01 PM. Interested organizations can access the application forms, instructions, and other materials on the Spay and Neuter Program's webpage.

Applicants may request up to 25% of their organization or program's annual operating budget, with a maximum grant allowance of $75,000. Organizations with a budget of less than $20,000 may request a maximum of $5,000. The minimum request allowable is $5,000 for all applicants.

To be eligible for the grants program, organizations must be municipal or county governments or 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organizations. They must also be in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and local Animal Control Authorities. More information on eligibility and the application process can be found in the program's RFP document.

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Funding for this program comes from fees paid by the pet food industry for each product they register to sell within the state. Since its establishment in 2013 by the Maryland General Assembly, the Spay and Neuter Grants Program has awarded a total of $9,827,838 in funds to complete over 143,232 spay and neuter procedures through 355 grant projects.

A seven-member advisory board appointed by the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture reviews all grant applications and provides recommendations on how grants should be administered.

For more information about the Spay and Neuter Grants Program or to apply for a grant, interested parties can visit the department's website. Questions about the program can be directed to the Spay and Neuter Grants Program Coordinator, Jen Swanson, at (410) 841-5766. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on animal welfare in Maryland. Apply now before the April 17 deadline!

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