The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY27 cycle of its Spay and Neuter Grants Program. The program aims to fund projects that increase spaying and neutering of dogs and cats in Maryland, with the goal of reducing overpopulation in animal shelters and lowering euthanasia rates.
According to the RFP, eligible applicants include government animal care and control agencies as well as animal welfare organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are in good standing with the IRS, State of Maryland, and local animal control agencies. The application window opens at noon on January 16, 2026, and closes at 5:01 PM on April 17, 2026.
The estimated total funding available for this cycle is approximately $850,000. Applicants may request up to 25% of their organization’s annual operating budget, not exceeding $75,000 per grant. Organizations with an annual budget under $20,000 may apply for up to $5,000. The minimum grant amount is set at $5,000.
Applications will be evaluated competitively by the Spay and Neuter Advisory Board (SNAB), which will review proposals based on several criteria outlined in state regulations. These include how projects target low-income communities, assess the need for additional services, comply with local laws regarding animals such as feral cats, promote education and outreach about spay/neuter services, increase procedure numbers and impact shelter intake/euthanasia rates, deliver results relative to funds requested, and demonstrate qualifications of project staff.
“The SNAB will rank eligible applications and select for funding those that most effectively and efficiently achieve the purpose of the Fund,” according to program guidelines. “In determining which projects to fund, the SNAB will consider: (a) How low-income communities and populations are targeted… (b) How well the project proposal identifies and assesses the need… (c) Whether or not the project violates local laws… (d) How the project proposal identifies and meets the need to promote spay/neuter services… (e) The extent to which the project increases… procedures… (f) The expected project results relative to funds requested; and (g) The qualifications and experience of the applicant…”
Final decisions will be made by the MDA Secretary after recommendations from SNAB. Notifications are expected within 30 days after approval.
Interested organizations can find detailed instructions on how to apply on the MDA Spay and Neuter Grants Program webpage. There are separate applications for pet-focused projects and feral cat-focused projects. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For more information about eligibility requirements or application details, potential applicants are encouraged to consult resources available through MDA’s program webpage or contact Jen Swanson, Program Coordinator.
Contact information for further inquiries includes Lauren Moses, Public Information Officer at MDA.
