The Animal Fund's purpose is to support programs that provide care and protection of animals in Washington County.

Americans love animals, and the support of animal-related causes through charitable giving and service has deep roots in this country’s philanthropic history. In fact, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was founded in New York in 1866. That’s only a few short years after the creation of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. At the time, the ASPCA was the first organization of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. But that has since changed.

According to NPR, there are an estimated 14,000 shelters and pet rescue groups across the US, and that figure only takes into account providers addressing the needs of domesticated animals.

Financial contributions are a critical component of any charity’s ability to provide its programs and services, and animal lovers are particularly passionate about helping their furry friends. At the start of 2022, the “Betty White Challenge” took social media by storm. The movement encouraged modest donations to local animal shelters in memory of the late beloved actress. Meta reports that a whopping $12.7 million was raised world-wide through the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.

A little closer to home, the Washington County Community Foundation sees the same kind of enthusiasm among local animal lovers each year during its annual day of giving, WCCF Gives. Last year alone, a total of nearly 850 donations were made to the six participating animal welfare organizations.

But when there are so many options and there is only so much to give, sometimes it can be difficult to choose where to direct a charitable gift. For those who would like the opportunity to broadly help local animals of all stripes, the WCCF has a solution: the Animal Fund.

The fund was created to support programs that provide for the care and protection of both domesticated and undomesticated animals in Washington County. As a pooled fund, contributions are welcome from anyone at any time, and the gifts are combined to result in more impactful grant-making.

But before it can make any awards, the Animal Fund must grow.

Join the Stout Animal Fund Challenge!

Will You Rise to the Challenge?

Pet lovers Bill and Sandy Stout are passionate about helping animals here in Washington County. Knowing the deep and loving bonds that can exist between animals and humans, they, and their perky pup Ms. Lucy Van Pelt, are challenging the WCCF's supporters to help the Animal Fund.

The Stouts have generously agreed to match every contribution made via the Stout Animal Fund Challenge, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!

With your gift, you can honor a special animal lover in your life or even a favorite pet that has forever touched your heart.

Gifts may be made online or by check.

If you would prefer to make your contribution by check, please complete and mail the form below to our office at:

Washington County Community Foundation
1253 Route 519, P.O. Box 308
Eighty Four, PA 15330