The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced that applications for its Spay and Neuter Grants Program for fiscal year 2027 will open on January 16, 2026, and close on April 17, 2026. The program aims to support projects that reduce the intake and euthanasia rates in animal shelters across the state.
For this grant cycle, approximately $850,000 will be available for eligible projects that promote or increase spay and neuter services for cats and dogs in Maryland. Organizations applying may request up to 25% of their annual operating budget, with a maximum grant amount set at $75,000. Groups with budgets under $20,000 can apply for up to $5,000. All applicants must request at least $5,000.
Application materials for FY27 will be posted on the Spay and Neuter Program’s webpage starting January 16 at noon. Updated instructions are provided online; previous cycle instructions remain available as a reference until then. The department emphasized that late submissions will not be accepted after the April 17 deadline.
Municipal or county governments and nonprofit animal welfare organizations with IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be in good standing with federal, state, and local authorities. More information about eligibility is outlined in the program’s RFP document.
Funding for this initiative comes from fees collected from pet food companies registering products sold in Maryland. Since its inception in 2013 by the Maryland General Assembly, the program has distributed nearly $9.83 million through 355 grants supporting over 143,200 spay and neuter procedures statewide.
A seven-member advisory board appointed by the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture reviews applications and advises on how grants should be administered.
Further details about the Spay and Neuter Grants Program can be found on the department’s website or by contacting Jen Swanson at (410) 841-5766 or via email.
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If you have any questions, need additional information or would like to arrange an interview, please contact:
Lauren Moses
Public Information Officer
Telephone: 410-841-5888
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-5700″
