~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the opening of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Spay and Neuter Grants Program (the Program) for the FY27 grant cycle. The Program aims to reduce animal shelter overpopulation and cat and dog euthanasia rates by funding projects that increase spaying and neutering of dogs and cats in Maryland.

According to the grant proposal, which quotes Agriculture Article, §2-1602, Annotated Code of Maryland, eligible applicants must target low-income communities and populations to the maximum extent possible. The proposal may also target feral cat populations as long as it does not violate local laws. Additionally, the proposal must efficiently and effectively promote spay and neuter services for cats and dogs, with the option to include public education and outreach components.

The Program is open to government animal care and control agencies, animal welfare organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and local animal control agencies that are in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and local authorities. The RFP was posted on January 16, 2026, with an estimated total funding of $850,000 available for this cycle.

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Applicants may not request more than 25% of their organization or program's annual operating budget, with a maximum grant allowance of $75,000. Organizations with a budget less than $20,000 may request up to $5,000. The minimum award amount is set at $5,000.

This opportunity falls under the category of competitive grants with no cost share or matching requirements; however, it is highly encouraged. Eligible applications received before the deadline will be evaluated on a competitive basis by the Spay and Neuter Advisory Board (SNAB). The SNAB will review all applications based on specific project components outlined in the Spay and Neuter Grants Program Regulations 15.01.10.05.

The SNAB will rank eligible applications and select those that most effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Fund. In their decision-making process, the SNAB will consider factors such as how low-income communities and populations are targeted, the identification and assessment of the need for additional spay and neuter services, compliance with local laws, promotion of spay/neuter services through education and outreach, impact on animal shelter intake and euthanasia rates, expected project results relative to funding requested, and qualifications of the applicant.

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Final funding decisions will be made by the MDA Secretary. The Point of Contact listed on the application will be notified via email after funding decisions have been made. The application window opens on January 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST and closes on April 17, 2026, at 5:01 PM EST. The due diligence/review period will take place from April to August 2026.

Once approved by the MDA Secretary, notifications of funding decisions will be sent within 30 days. Grant agreements must be signed within another 30 days after notifications. Applications can be found on the MDA Spay and Neuter Grants Program webpage on the MDA website. There are two types of applications available: Pet-Focused and Feral Cat-Focused.

Detailed instructions for each application can also be found on the Program's webpage. All applications must be received by MDA before 5:01 PM EST on April 17, 2026; late submissions will not be accepted.

For more information about eligibility requirements, allowable budget items, requirements for grantees, penalties for non-compliance, and other details about the application process, interested parties can visit the Program's webpage or contact Jen Swanson at (410)841-5766.

The Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants Program is an essential initiative in reducing animal shelter overpopulation and euthanasia rates in the state. By targeting low-income communities and populations and promoting spay/neuter services, the Program aims to make a significant impact on the welfare of cats and dogs in Maryland.

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