Establishing a Statewide Capital Fund for Shelters

Industry Innovations

November 18, 2024

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm |

Animal shelters across the country are increasingly challenged to bring their facilities up to date to achieve today’s widely accepted standards for the humane care of animals in our care. The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF), a statewide coalition of shelters and rescues, successfully lobbied their state assembly, senate, and governor for the creation of a Companion Animal Capital Fund (CACF) beginning in 2018. Since then, the state has issued six rounds of grants for the construction, renovation, and expansion of animal shelters, and over $33 million has been awarded to shelters supporting better care and increased adoptions for dogs and cats.

Learn about the tactics used to successfully convince politicians from both sides of the aisle to back the CACF, with some of the most fiscally conservative politicians calling this vital funding, “a rounding error in the state budget.” We will also discuss the process of designing the program with the Association of Shelter Veterinarians guidelines, as a means of raising awareness of the improvements needed, and ensuring projects are focused on the wellbeing of animals.

The presentation will give examples of the impact the 70+ grants have had on the recipient organizations, both large and small, doing minor projects or providing the seed money that led to building an entirely new shelter.

Approved for one point in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

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Speakers

Stacie Haynes

Executive Director, Susquehanna SPCA

Stacie Haynes is the Executive Director at the Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown, NY. She is also the current President of the New York State Animal Protection Federation.

Joe Lisella, CAWA

Executive Director, Animal Protective Foundation

Joe Lisella has been the Executive Director of The Animal Protective Foundation (APF) in Glenville, NY since October 2021. In addition to the shelter, the APF is also the region’s largest public provider of spay/neuter surgery. Prior to joining the APF, Joe began his career in animal welfare at Marin Humane as the development director for nearly nine years. Joe is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA).

Libby Post

Executive Director, New York State Animal Protection Federation

Libby Post is the Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF). The Federation represents all of New York’s animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, and a growing number of rescues at the State Capitol. In 2024, Libby marks her tenth year with the Federation.