When Florida drivers purchase a specialty license plate featuring a cartoon dog and cat, they’re doing more than decorating their bumper; they’re directly funding spay/neuter efforts across the state. Since 2006, Florida Animal Friend (FAF) has awarded millions of dollars in grants to shelters, rescue groups, and clinics to make high-impact sterilization surgeries more widely accessible.
The program is one of the most successful of its kind in the nation. Funded entirely by proceeds from the sale of the Florida Animal Friend license plate, it awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants each year. In this year’s cycle, FAF distributed more than $756,000 across 34 organizations.
Focused Grantmaking with a Big Impact
“We have a small staff and low overhead, so nearly every dollar goes straight to the field,” said Lois Kostroski, Executive Director of Florida Animal Friend. “We’re here to fund the dogs and cats most at risk for reproducing, not to create unnecessary bureaucracy.”
The grant application and review process is deliberately streamlined and highly targeted. Each proposal is reviewed by a committee of experts representing veterinary medicine, animal control, and animal welfare organizations. Applications are scored on six key areas including target population, cost-benefit ratio, organizational track record, and program sustainability.
“Every year, we see incredibly thoughtful and well-designed proposals,” Kostroski said. “Many organizations tell us our grant is their first opportunity to apply for funding. That’s something we’re really proud of.”
A Collaborative Legacy from the Start
Dr. Julie Levy, Fran Marino Endowed Distinguished Professor of Shelter Medicine Education at the University of Florida, was one of the architects of the original grant structure. From the beginning, she envisioned an application process that emphasized data-driven planning and collaboration.
“One of my goals was to make sure applicants had a good understanding of their local sheltering landscape,” said Dr. Levy. “We asked them to include their local shelter intake and outcome data, identify gaps, and show how their program would have measurable impact, especially for animals who wouldn’t be sterilized otherwise.”
This focus on strategic, additional spay/neuter services has helped the program reduce shelter intake, support community cat programs, and break reproductive cycles before they begin.
Dr. Levy also sought to help novice grant writers refine their grantsmanship. For many organizations, this was their first experience in submitting a grant proposal. The online grant submission template leads them through a series of entries to help them make a compelling and concise pitch that’s appealing to reviewers. The winning grant applications are posted on the Florida Animal Friend website each year as models for success.
Supporting Innovation and Field Education
Florida Animal Friend grants are more than just funding; they help launch new programs, grow partnerships, and support education. Kostroski noted that FAF often sees grantees collaborate across sheltering and rescue groups, public and private veterinary providers, and even multiple counties.
“W
e’re seeing more collaboration than ever before,” she said. “It’s one of the most exciting things about the program. It helps bring people together with a shared mission.”
A Model for Lifesaving, Built to Last
According to both Kostroski and Dr. Levy, the success of Florida Animal Friend lies in its strategic design, inclusive leadership, and long-term vision.
“It started as a grassroots idea, just a few of us and a cartoon license plate,” Dr. Levy said. “Now it’s one of the most successful license plate fundraising programs for spay/neuter in the country. It’s a sustainable spay/neuter funding stream that’s built to last. This year our license plate ranks at spot 21 out of 170 specialty plates in Florida.”
Kostroski agreed. “We’re honored to be part of this work. Every license plate sold helps prevent unwanted litters, reduce shelter intake, and give animals a better chance at life.”
Apply for a Grant
Applications for the 2026 grant application cycle will open January 1, 2026 and are due April 1, 2026. Grant decisions and funds will be released in August, 2026. Examples of this year’s grant application process, winning applications, and eligibility requirements can be found at https://floridaanimalfriend.org/grants/.
How You Can Help
If you’re a Florida resident, you can be part of the solution simply by choosing the Florida Animal Friend license plate when you register your vehicle. Learn more and see the list of funded organizations at floridaanimalfriend.org.