Refined Purpose: Strategic Plan Takeaways

The Animal Assistance Foundation’s Board and leadership recently undertook a strategic planning process. Through interviews with companion animal leaders, a review of data trends, and conversations with numerous stakeholders and grantees, we are ready to continue serving the animal community of Colorado with a refreshed strategy.

For 50 years, AAF has been a consistent presence and supporter of innovation in improving the state of animal welfare in Colorado. The last several years have brought unprecedented challenges to the state of companion animals, as COVID-19 and its aftermath have affected owners and companion animals alike. To meet these challenges, the Foundation's Board and leadership undertook a strategic planning process.

Feedback from Grantees Refined our Purpose Into Three Key Areas

Feedback from our grantees and stakeholders refined our understanding of AAF’s purpose in 3 key areas:

1. Innovation and Collaboration

2. Capacity Building

3. Responsive Funding

• The Foundation has a significant impact on spay/neuter programs and support for rural shelters.

• AAF's grants are recognized for contributing to the long-term sustainability of projects.

• The Foundation is credited with changing perceptions of animal welfare in communities.

• AAF is uniquely positioned to be a convener of thought leaders to address the issues facing Colorado animals today.

• The Foundation is seen as a facilitator of collaboration within the community.

• Grantees appreciate the support for innovative projects and proof-of-concept work.

• The Foundation's support in emergencies and for unforeseeable needs is highly valued by grantees.

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Challenges and Opportunities

CRITICAL ISSUES IN ANIMAL WELFARE SHARED BY PARTNERS:

• Lack of veterinary care impacting program capacity.

• Behavior issues of animals in shelters and homes lengthen stay or increase unadoptable animals.

• Shelter over-capacity is causing some shelters to limit their surrender intake.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR AAF EVOLUTION BASED ON PARTNER FEEDBACK:

• Potential to broaden the geographic and demographic reach of impact.

• Opportunity to improve the clarity, responsiveness, and overall quality of interactions.

• Grantees express a desire for deeper engagement and understanding with the Foundation.

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Revised Grantmaking Strategy

To implement improvement suggestions and better assist partners as they grapple with current industry challenges, we have designed a new grantmaking strategy focused on 3 pillars of support.

• Capacity Builder

  GENERAL OPERATING

  • Unrestricted regular staff and facility costs

  ANIMAL POPULATION PROGRAMS

  • Animal transport, behavior, access to care, etc.

  ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY PROGRAMS

  • Staff and Board training; noncapital equipment and repairs; fundraising capacity, etc.

• Innovation Catalyst

  STRATEGIC INNOVATION PARTNERS

  • Larger collaborative grants addressing systemic issues

  INNOVATION PROJECTS

  • Project ideas that flow from convenings

• Responsive Funder

  EMERGENCIES

  • Urgent general operating requests.

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