My fish rescue business is in danger. Can you help?

[Kelly68]

No, nothing really exotic. Just fish that people don't want, common stuff and a bunch of angelfish. I did get a reply back from the Aquaculture - Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection and this is their response to me:

"I'm sorry, but our animal health division has no authority in a case
like yours."

and the other place I got an automated reply message and I did email anothe person right now.

[Lauri]

Hi Kelly,
I tried to reply to this an hour ago and it got lost. I'll try to summarize my thoughts again...
Have you contacted the manufacturer of the bad equipment?
Have you contacted the competitors of the bad equipment and see if they might help you?
Have you asked your homeowners insurance if there is any coverage?
Have you tried talking with your electric company to see if they would work with you?
Have you asked your local Rotary Club if they could help?
Have you asked any large companies in the area if they would help by sponsoring your cause since you are a rescue ...not for profit?
Have you tried to get the word out to the school...classes and organizations sometimes do fundraisers for special causes?

Have you tried to put up notices at the grocery store, library, other community areas...how about the local senior center!
Have you contacted your county newspapers and television crews to do a special for you?
Grants ... Local library reference desk?
Have you tried the local university/college to see if their biology department would have any suggestions?
Good luck.
Lauri

[Lauri]

Wildlife Animal Rescue: Endangered Species Conservation Fund
Wildlife Animal Rescue: Endangered Species Conservation Fund
Our wildlife animal rescue conservation organization offers aid to endangered and threatened wildlife and domestic animals around the world. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) campaigns for animal conservation and habitat preservation, and also offers Emergency Animal Relief (Disaster Response) services. Our wildlife animal rescue conservation organization provides funds for wildlife research, makes grants to national and local animal welfare organizations, and offers many more services to help animals in distress. Saving the whales, saving the seals from slaughter, saving the elephants, and pet rescue are major focus areas for our animal rescue league. Our wildlife and domestic animal welfare society has even helped in the area of animal assisted therapy. Protecting endangered species, providing humane treatment for domestic animals, preserving habitat for wildlife and more requires assistance from a generous donor base. You can help IFAW with its mission to create a world in which all life can flourish. Click here now, and find out more about how your dollars can help IFAW protect wildlife and domestic animals worldwide.

...IFAW's Emergency Relief Team helps national and local organizations to save animals when natural and man made disasters occur....

IFAW has given more than 400 grants totaling nearly $2 million to small protection groups and local shelters across the globe since 1994.

[Lauri]

Grants Information Collection - Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Funding and Fundraising
Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation: Funding and Fundraising
American Humane

See the section, Available Grants. Also has advice on The Business of Getting a Grant, the American Humane Association, which grants the Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant, and the Second Chance Fund in partnership with Bayer Animal Health, is the sponsor of this site.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA was "the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere." The Society aims "to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and [they] continue to battle cruelty today." The following pages are of particular interest to those seeking funding: Professional: Fundraising; Fundraising: Foundation Grants; ASPCA Equine Program; and ASPCA Mission: Orange.
AnimalConcerns.org

An impressive Animals site of the EnviroLink Network. Includes rescue and rehabilitation groups and services, as well as funding, advocacy, and educational resources. See especially Resources for Non-Profits.

AnimalFunding.org: See Fund for Animals below.

Best Friends
In its links under the category, No More Homeless Pets, this organization has downloadable booklets and articles in its Resource Library, particularly the items for organizations, on such topics as starting a nonprofit organization for help for animals, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and management, putting on a fundraising event, how to start one's own sanctuary and nonprofit spay/neuter programs.
Exceller Fund

A nonprofit Internet group which raises money to shelter Thoroughbred horses which would otherwise be sent for slaughter.

A major organization which sponsors and conducts numerous animal protection programs in regional offices throughout the U.S. See also the section,Non-profit Fundraising for Animal Protection Programs.

Fund for Animals and AnimalFunding.org

Fundsnet Services: Pet Welfare & Wildlife Grants

A well-documented listing of foundations which fund programs for animal welfare, wildlife preservation, and related causes.

Meacham Foundation Memorial Grant. See AmericanHumane.org above.

Maddie's Fund

Large grants are available particularly for no-kill animal welfare organizations and shelters, plus veterinary facilities for companion animals. Has information on shelter management for animal organizations.

PetCo Foundation

Offers assistance with local spay/neuter programs, humane education and training, and adoption of dogs and cats by local humane groups.

PetSmart Charities

The PetSmart Charities mission is to improve the quality of life for all companion animals by creating and supporting programs that save the lives of homeless pets and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. See Grants and Emergency Relief in particular.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Humane Charity Seal of Approval

Provides a list of charities approved for provision of services or research without the use of animals. Also has in its Search Charities pages listings of Health Charities That Don't Fund Animal Experiments and Health Charities That Still Fund Animal Experiments.
ShelterSource

"A free news and resource hub helping people help animals since 2003," ShelterSource includes the goal of "increas[ing] funding opportunities for animal shelters and other rescue groups" as part of their mission. Site features information on Fundraising for Animals, as well as an alphabetical list of Grant and Program Resources.
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

This site lists organizations which may provide help and services during disasters and emergencies.
United Animal Nations

North America’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals. See their Programs and especially their Lifeline Grants.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory

Information on "what to do with injured wildlife and who to contact." Links given to professional organizations and to rehabilitation sites.
World Animal Net Directory

Includes approximately 15,000 listings and links to over 8,000 Internet sites. Searchable by categories such as anti-vivisection, fur, farm animals, animals in entertainment, genetic engineering, and others, as well as by geographic area. Go to the site's Index for other resources and an especially good directory of Links to additional useful sites.

[Lauri]

Animal Rescue Links.org - Grants and Other Information
Grants and Other Information for Animal Rescues




The DJ&T Foundation
9201 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 204
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The DJ&T Foundation Subsidizes Clinics and Voucher Programs All Over the USA
A Non-Profit Foundation Devoted to The Support of Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics and Voucher Programs Throughout the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Grant Application available at website.

Rio Vista Fund
Rio Vista Products
520 S. Farnel Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93458 http://www.riovistaproducts.com/fund/fund.html
Rio Vista Fund - a portion of the sale of every Rio Vista product you buy goes to support organizations that rescue and rehabilitate abused horses and dogs. Qualified organizations who need money to rescue or save a particular horse or dog should mail their request to the Rio Vista Fund.

Petsmart Charities
PETsMART, Inc.
19601 North 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Phone: (623) 580-6100 Page Not Found - PetSmart
If you are affiliated with an animal welfare organization and are interested in finding out how your organization can receive a grant or sponsorship from PETsMART Charities Go to the website for more information.

Maddie's Fund
Richard Avanzino, President
2223 Santa Clara Ave., Ste. B
Alameda, CA 94501 Maddie's Fund Grant Guidelines - Community
They are looking for community-wide projects that will guarantee healthy (adoptable) shelter dogs and cats in the target community a loving home within a period of five years. They support collaborations of no-kill animal welfare organizations working together with animal control shelters, traditional shelters, and private veterinarians.

Developing Winning Grant Proposals http://www.ohiou.edu/noncredit/grants.htm
Workshop participants learn the format of a complete grant proposal. They learn how to tailor proposal formats to meet the requirements of different funders and how to improve the match between grant seeker needs and funder priorities. They review criteria that funders use in evaluation grant proposals.

ITSY'S FUND, INC.
Formally known as Stray Cat Strut itsysfund.com
They are set up to give a monthly donation to a 501c3 registered not-for-profit animal rescue group or shelter for medical care for one animal -- cat, dog, farm animal, reptile, wildlife.

Albert Schweitzer Animal Welfare Fund
1200 Fairchild Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Fax: ( 336) 744-5289
Provides grants for a variety of innovative animal welfare programs, including humane education, enhancing humane shelter operation, wildlife protection or implementing solutions to animal overpopulation. Write or fax for an application packet.

NEW Maddie's Fund

Maddie's Fund Grant Guidelines
Grants are available particularly for no-kill animal welfare organizations and Shelters. Has information on shelter management for animal organizations.



ACES Foundation
PO Box 3275
Crestline, CA 92325
1 (800) 338-2237 Call for more information.
Funding for training initiatives at the state or regional level
(individuals and shelters are not eligible).


Ms. Donna Peas
Grants Administration
700 Professional Dr.
Gaithersburg, MD 20879 The William and Charlotte Parks Foundation
Grants that impact animal welfare, general operating funds, and capital grants. Grants not normally for spay/neuter, wildlife rehabilitation, or for organizations with annual income above one million. Call or write for application forms.


Grants and Related Resources Michigan State University Libraries - Nonprofit Fundraising Web Resources

[Kelly68]

OMG Lauri. This is wonderful. I don't even know where to start. I know Patti is busy this evening. But would anyone want to help volunteer and break down the lists to send out emails to these places? At midnight I am down to 11 days and counting.

Lauri, as for most of your first post with contacting the manufacturer, local businesses in the same field for assistance, radio, news, paper (my sister did a lot as did Pk and Links I believe). I have contacte the BBB, Consumer Protection, Department of Aquaculture. I have spoke with Public Service on many occasions. I do have an email out to the school, one teacher in particular that has been wonderful to me and my family...she is thinking about anything I may not have thought about. My sister did pass out some letters to some of the local businesses in town. I just cannot rememeber all that was contacted....but there was a lot.

But you have given me many more ideas. My sister has written a very nice letter...I believe I posted it in one of the replies. If someone would like to help me send these out, it would be very much appreciated. I have developed some pretty major head aches. I am sure from the stress I am dealing with and lots of crying. If not, I am sure I can plug away my self on these.

Again, Lauri, thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing the research you have done. Please pm me if you would like to talk further. This is wonderful information.

Kelly

[Lauri]

Michigan State University Libraries - Grants for Nonprofits : Animal Welfare

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE FOR NUMEROUS PROMISING GRANT SOURCES....

ALSO INCLUDES LISTINGS FOR THE 50 TOP "WILDLIFE" RESCUE GRANTS FOR 2000 - 2005!

[pk]

Wow! What great ideas Lauri!!! I was at a point that I was racking my brains as to what other places to contact. I do think that any 'grant' for this situation will come to late since there is usually alot of paper work to fill out and time to wait to get approved for a grant, no matter how small or large.

But some of the other ideas are places that may help ASAP. Many interesting and new ideas here to work with. Thanks so much Lauri for all the ideas you have shared here.

[Kelly68]

Well, after hitting the pavment and delivering over 50 letters with my brochure and business card attached to each one of them.....I am worn out. But still have another 50 to go. I got a call back from the Daily Herald guy. He is going to interview me on Tuesday of next week. But it is only to spot light a local business and still doesn't want to touch any of the trouble stuff or say that I need donations or I will lose it all. I would love to have had this done months ago, but now I sit and think what is the point if my fish will all be dead in 11 days. Don't get me wrong, I am not ungrateful by any means. I just hope that the story may make more people aware, but the only way they would be is if they showed interest in the story and went on my site.

Again, thank you Lauri for all the useful links. I will make a list this weekend.

[Kelly68]

Here is a copy of the letter I handed out. Hope it was ok...I worked a long time trying to get in the right words.


MY FISH RESCUE BUSINESS IS IN DANGER. CAN YOU HELP?

My name is Kelly and I am the owner and founder of Finned Friends LLC and KARS (Kelly’s Aquatic Rescue Services). Here at Finned Friends, we will rescue, provide a temporary housing environment and seek new homes for unwanted aquatics. We are also the largest breeding facility of freshwater angelfish in the State of Wisconsin. The breeding facility was established to help offset the cost of the rescue. An unwanted aquatic always meets his death before his time is due. I believe that fish are found to be readily disposable once their flair is gone. People don't think that this type of pet is worth saving once they do not want them anymore. I am a firm believer that ANY pet deserves a chance at a good life.

Finned Friends is a home based business. I was given a medical diagnosis that I suffer from a few diseases that I can no longer work outside of my home. I could have taken the news and sat back and collected a monthly check or I could teach my children (one in college, one going this fall and a freshman in high school) a lesson in life. No matter what life throws at you, you have to remain positive and fight for what you want. I felt at only 39 years old, that I was still young enough to earn an honest living. So last year, I added on a $25,000 expansion to my business with the help of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Part of my expansion costs involved new equipment for heating, cooling and an air exchanger for the business. This total cost alone was close to $9000. I thought I did my research when it came to finding a reputable and honest contractor. From day one, when they showed up close to 3 hours late, that should have been my first sign that this was the wrong decision. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and let them do their job. What a wrong choice this has been. Ever since they installed this new ENERGY EFFICIENT equipment my Gas and Electric bills have been enormous. I have been in contact with over 8 other Heating Contractors and none which are willing to take on the liability and problem this company has caused. They all knew of the company which installed my equipment and only words of condolences were given. I cannot afford the expense at this point to hire the attorney that has been so kind to me due to the fact we had heard this company may be filing bankruptcy in the near future.

The local heating and cooling contractor we hired completely scammed us, and knowingly installed equipment that cannot heat or cool our home in a way to keep our bills down and livestock healthy. Our furnace has broke down over 18 times this winter - the contractor avoids our calls, and has not yet fixed the equipment. This equipment has doubled - tripled our WPS bills. On April 15th, WPS will be shutting off the power to our home. When this happens, we will lose everything. I have over 12,000 fish so far that I have either raised or rescued from the surrounding communities. When the power goes out, so will the lives of these animals. The fish cannot survive without heat or air, both run on heat and electricity.

I would be devastated if I were to lose everything I put my heart and soul into. Especially due to the fact that I was taken complete advantage of by a contractor that was supposed to be honest. Finned Friends does not charge or ask for any monetary donations for driving to pick up any unwanted aquatics. There is a great expense of time, gas and supplies to house an unwanted aquatic. If I cannot find a home for these aquatics, my home becomes their forever home. I am no different than any other rescue. But because most people think that fish are expendable no one wants to help. I am on my knees asking for help. So, if anyone would like to donate or know someone who would donate some time, monetary donations or items for a possible fundraiser to help pay toward my outrageous bill this equipment is costing me AND help pay for another company that would come in and re-do the whole mess please contact me. My Website Finned Friends Aquatic Rescue & Angelfish Breeding has a Rescue link on top of every page. In the Rescue link you will see a DONATE tab that goes directly to a PayPal account for anyone that would like to donate that way. Or you can send a check payable to: FINNED FRIENDS 2004 Water Street, Merrill,WI 54452

Please, even it is $5 or $10 it will all help and add up. All money raised will go directly from there to help save Finned Friends. I am racing a ticking clock so I don’t have much time. As of today (April 4th) I have 11 days left. Thank you for helping my effort to save these aquatics. Remember, no fish goes unwanted. If I cannot find a home for them, my home will be their forever home. Thank you so much for your time.

Kelly Rector (715)212-6637

[Lauri]

Kelly Rector
Finned Friends LLC and KARS
2004 Water Street, Merrill, WI 54452
April 7, 2008

Dear Friend,
My name is Kelly Rector. Out of a deep sense of compassion, I began my home-based, dream business, Finned Friends LLC and KARS, aka Kelly’s Aquatic Rescue Services, to rescue and provide temporary foster fish care while seeking new homes for fish their owners no longer wanted. I am desperately searching for a viable way to save the lives of thousands of unwanted pet fish from facing certain death on April 15th. This is not a joke. It is my worst nightmare and it means certain death for these most vulnerable of creatures that depend upon me for life.
At age 39, my journey into this unique animal rescue began after I became disabled and could no longer work outside my home. Not wanting to just take a government handout, with the help of the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, I spent $25,000 to facilitate the expansion needed to accommodate the fish rescue mission within my home. This included the creation of a freshwater angelfish breeding facility to help offset the cost of the rescue operation. The expansion last year included the installation of new energy efficient equipment for heating, cooling, and air exchange. Well, to make a very long, agonizing story short, I got scammed by the individual who installed the new equipment because my heating and electric bills not only tripled, but the furnace broke down eighteen times this past winter! The installer won’t answer his phone as he is now going through bankruptcy so my options of recouping my losses and saving the fish are virtually gone. No other heating contractors are willing to take on the liability of trying to repair the system. Having put my savings into the expansion, I have no money to fall back on. I am out of options. I have run out of time.
On April 15th, WPS will be shutting off electrical power. I have over 12,000 fish that I either rescued from surrounding communities or raised to keep the rescue solvent. When the power goes out, so will the lives of these wonderful creatures. The fish cannot survive without heat or air circulating in the tanks. Both run off electricity.
Like other rescues, Finned Friends is non-profit. There is no charge to rescue pet fish. They are not euthanized if a home can not be readily found. I am begging for help to save this rescue and especially to save the lives of the fish already in the aquariums. In the short term, I desperately need money immediately to pay outstanding electric bills so I can stop WPS from turning off the electricity. In the long term, I need help to resolve the failure of the equipment which caused this catastrophe to happen in the first place.
I would appreciate any suggestions you might have, or outright help you can give me. Please contact me by calling (715) 212-6637. If you can make any sized donation, please send it asap to: FINNED FRIENDS, 2004 Water Street, Merrill, WI 54452.
My Website http://www.finnedfriends.com]Finned Friends Aquatic Rescue & Angelfish Breeding has a Rescue link on top of every page. In the Rescue link you will see a DONATE tab that goes directly to a PayPal account if you want to donate by this method.

I thank you, and so do 12,000 little angels and friends.

Sincerely,

Kelly Rector