The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is part of the City of Seattle. It is a division of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services. While SAS is funded by the City of Seattle, this funding is primarily focused on labor costs. The City relies on donations to fund non-labor expenditures and, occasionally, temporary positions. It cut the SAS budget in the last budget cycle with the expectation that donations would make up at least some of the difference.
It is a valid question to ask whether any public service should receive donations from the citizens who are already paying taxes to their jurisdiction for those services. It is a common practice that occurs not just with SAS, but with Seattle’s Fire Department, Police, Parks and Library system.
At the same time, while the City accepts donations and foundation grants to fund its services, it does find the funds to offer its own grants for neighborhoods, arts, small business ownership, housing and youth, among others. It is a paradox that many citizens are not aware of.
Seattle Animal Shelter Donation Funds
There are three donation funds that currently appear on SAS’s website. (While the first two funds certainly relate to SAS, it is unclear why the Off-Leash Area Fund lies with it instead of the Parks Department.)
Help the Animals Fund. This fund’s top priority is to rehabilitate animals who are the victims of cruelty and neglect. Donations to this fund pay for veterinary care for shelter animals along with promoting educational outreach to prevent homeless, unwanted and abused animals. This fund also supports the shelter's foster and volunteer programs.
Pet Population Control Fund. Since 1996, this fund has supported the municipal Spay and Neuter Clinic. It funds the spaying and neutering of companion animals with low-income families. Donations are also used to educate the public about spaying and neutering along with purchasing the latest, safest surgical equipment.
Off-Leash Area Fund. Donations directed here are used to create and maintain off-leash sites around the city.
There is also the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation that specifically raises money for expenses that the City will not fund.
The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation
SAS and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) have a close relationship, at times SASF functions almost like a board of directors for the shelter. Its primary purpose is to fund expenses that the City of Seattle will not fund. SASF was established in 2010 and it has raised over $1 million dollars for the shelter. It recently funded two temporary staff positions to enhance pet care and foster support at the shelter. Over the next several years one area of focus will be helping the Shelter fund critical facility upgrades, including significant improvements to the dog, cat and critter areas.
Foundations Supporting Other Public Services
Is SASF the only foundation to support a public service in Seattle? No, there are others. All of them are trying to fill in the funding gaps left by the City of Seattle.
Seattle Fire Foundation (SFF). Approximately 97% of the Seattle Fire Department’s budget is committed to personnel and operational expenses. SFF funds critical initiatives, including replacing dated equipment, investing in gear that will decrease exposure to carcinogens, and canine therapy to help firefighters manage stress.
Seattle Police Foundation (SPF). More than 80% of Seattle Police’s annual budget goes to support personnel costs. SPF provides grants for investments such as improved all-weather gear, new equipment, innovative tools, training programs, and safety enhancements.
Seattle Parks Foundation. Seattle Parks Foundation became an independent nonprofit in 1999. It is primarily an advocacy group that raises funds for Seattle’s parks, forms partnerships with Seattle communities and organizes restoration events.
Seattle Public Library Foundation. The Seattle Public Library Foundation formed in 1980, The Foundation raises money from individuals, foundations, and businesses to support the Library and oversees endowment funds which have been established to provide ongoing financial stability. Its priorities include building maintenance, adult/children/teen programming, services for those with needs, technology and services for those with special needs.
The Seattle Paradox
Every city is challenged by a lack of resources to meet its critical needs, and Seattle is no exception. And yet, while the City accepts donations and grants from private citizens and foundations, it also has the funds to provide its own grants. Examples include Neighborhood Matching Fund, Food Equity Fund, SmART Ventures Grant, Safe Routes to School Mini Grants, CityArtist Grant, Prenatal-to-Three Community Grant, and many others.
These are the realities of local governments. A complete understanding of how it operates, with all of its contradictions, is crucial for any advocate.