Welcome to this issue of the European Member Societies e-newsletter
Did you know that there are 275 WSPA member societies in Europe?
What are the common issues that bring us all together?
What are the problems that we are all working to solve?
This chart shows the different issues that member societies are all working on in the Europe region. It will probably come as no surprise that 83% of you are working to help dogs and cats (Companion Animals).
I think the most interesting thing about this chart is that it shows how much we all have in common. We are all working for the same purpose: to improve animal welfare and end animal cruelty.
In this newsletter there is information about the WSPA small grants scheme and how it can support your work. There are also some stories from you about a few of the animals you have helped in recent months. After all, they are the reason that we do what we do. Together, we can make a difference.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and please continue to send in your comments.
Harry
Member Society Small Grant Scheme
WSPA has a small grant scheme which is open to all member societies within the network. We’ve recently made some changes to this scheme and what follows is everything you need to know about the process and how to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for a grant?
• Any WSPA member society
What are the requirements?
• You must be fully up to date with the payment of the annual WSPA subscription fee (unless the fee has been waived)
• Your annual turnover must be no greater than US $1million
• All proposals must comply with WSPA policy
• The grant can only be up to a maximum of US $5000
• You can only apply for a grant once every 2 years
What can the money be used for?
• Equipment
• Conference attendance
• Construction/refurbishment
• Humane education work
• Attending a training course or workshop
• Public awareness or campaigning activities
What can't the money be used for?
• Anything that has already been purchased, constructed, attended, carried out, etc
• Current or ongoing projects or programmes
• Salaries
• Items which are disposable or cannot be re-used (e.g. drugs, syringes, food)
• The construction of a completely new shelter or sanctuary, or the expansion of a current shelter or sanctuary
• Food costs for conferences
How do I apply for a small grant?
• Contact Harry Eckman - Europe Member Society Officer with a short explanation of what you would like the grant for
• He will inform you if you are eligable to apply, and the relevant application form will be provided
• Harry will always be available to provide help with the forms or to answer any questions
What happens next?
• Application forms are received at WSPA Headquarters in London 6 times per year and reviewed by the Small Grant Screening Committee who make all final decisions
• Please note there is a very limited budget for the small grant scheme so not all applications will be approved
Is any feedback needed?
• All grants that are approved must provide a detailed grant feedback report 6-12 months after the grant has been awarded
• All receipts/invoices must be provided with the report
• Please note that this is an important part of the process. Failure to provide a grant feedback report means that you may not be eligible for future funding from WSPA
Your Stories
In the last newsletter I asked you to send me stories of animals that have been directly helped by the work you do. These are just a few that I received but please continue to send me your stories.
Paws-Patas are a shelter in south-eastern Spain who rescue and care for lost and abandoned animals.
Buffy and Holly were abandoned in a box at the side
 of the road in December 2009. The box had rolled down an embankment and the two frightened sisters huddled together until the manager of
Paws-Patas found them and took them to the Shelter. Holly was frightened but unhurt, but Buffy suffered horrific wounds to her back that needed extensive veterinary treatment. They were both placed in an excellent foster home together where Buffy made a full recovery. Both pups were able to be put up for adoption to find a new loving home.
Animal Medical Care Foundation provides medical and care products for animals in need in over 30 countries around the world.
Champ was tied to a fence outside a City Guards’ Office in Poland. The people at City Guards took Champ to a local shelter,
 where he was later rescued by the Emir Foundation. Champ was extremely thin and in very poor health. He was diagnosed with Megaoesophagus and Gastritis Hemorrhagica which affected his ability to eat and digest food. The
AMCF supported the cost of Champ’s veterinary treatment and care while he made a very slow but steady recovery. Because of his medical condition, finding him a new home might have been hard but in February a wonderful family adopted him and he was able to begun his new life.
Emily had been hit by a car outside a factory in Romani a. Nobody helped her, and it was 4 days before someone contacted the Nature Shelter. Her injuries were severe: she had a massive open wound, a shattered leg and broken hip. The
AMCF supported Emily’s care and veterinary treatment at the shelter. Fortunately, she made a fantastic recovery. She went from a shocked and fearful puppy to happy playful dog who is now in a wonderful new foster home.
Other links:
Don’t forget to visit WSPA’s resource website, Animal Welfare Online, for a library of information and advice on animal welfare matters.
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