IMPORTANT UPDATE, 10 JUNE 2025
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We have now completed the first round of selection and interviewed almost 40 organizations, with 28 remaining. It's going to be a challenge to decide who goes forward and who doesn't, since everybody that remains is a good candidate for one reason or another. We are in the process of reducing the number of remaining candidates for a second-round, more detailed evaluation. We ask for your patience during this process. Thank you, and thanks for all you do for the animals.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: 17 May 2025.
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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED. The following is provided for archival purposes only. We have a large backlog of applications, it is expected it will take at least 2 months before any further announcements. Thank you for your interest in this program.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: 12 April 2025
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If you're planning on submitting an application, please read and follow the instructions below. We've tried to make the process as easy as possible. In return, please respect the fact that we're receiving a large number of applications, and there's no time to chase missing information. If your submission is incomplete, or your organization is not eligible, we will not be able to consider your application. Thank you for your cooperation.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: 15 April 2025
Due to the large number of very qualified applications, we will be setting a submission deadline of 16 May 2025 at 11:59pm EDT. We will finish interviews with a short list of applicant organizations and make decisions within a few weeks after that.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE: 16 APRIL 2025
This is a fluid process. We're learning as we go. In order to help you, we've put together a description of the PERFECT organization, an organization that we would envision funding into the long-term. The perfect organization would have the following characteristics:
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it would be a 501(c)(3) public charity in operation for at least five years;
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it would have total annual revenues of less than $100,000;
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it would be staffed exclusively by volunteers;
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it would focus primarily on long-lived species, while serving multiple species;
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it would operate on land that is owned by the organization;
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it would maintain a detailed ledger of income and expenses;
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it would possess an engaged Board of Directors, with minutes of regular BoD meetings;
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it would have a clear plan for succession from its current leadership, especially the founder;
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it would have a website clearly describing its mission and policies regarding exploitation;
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it would submit a complete, concise application for funding.
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However, an organization like this wouldn't really need our help: this describes an organization that's already doing what needs to be done. We're looking for an organization that has some of these characteristics, and realizes the importance of the remainder, but is not quite there. An organization that probably wouldn't survive a significant calamity, such as the sudden loss of the founder, a large downturn in donor support, a natural disaster, etc. For such an organization, we hope to provide guidance about what needs to be developed to avoid disaster, and to provide stable funding to allow leadership to move boldly forward with those plans. We can't stop things from happening, but together we can prevent them from being catastrophic for the animals involved.
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APPLICATION PROCESS.
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The application process is somewhat informal; simply a response via email, addressing the following questions in as few words as possible.
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What does your organization do?
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How many animals do you currently care for, and what type? Please remember that we are focusing primarily on organizations serving long-lived species such as horses, parrots, and tortoises.
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Where is your physical operation, and how large is the property? Who owns the property where you operate?
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Who is your current leadership, and what are their qualifications or relevant experience? Include Directors, Officers, and other essential staff, such as senior volunteers.
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What does a typical day look like at your site? Who is involved, and what do they do?
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What is your vision for your organization 1 year, 3 years, and 10 years from now, and how do you plan to implement those plans? Just saying "we're going to expand our volunteer base" isn't enough; how are you going to do that?
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In addition to the application, please be sure to include a copy of your IRS Determination Letter and your three most recent Forms 990 (fewer if you are a new organization and don't have three, and just the most recent one if you've only ever filed form 990N).
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Brevity and clarity will be considered a strength. Bullet points are ideal. Label your attachments as follows: Application, DeterminationLetter, or 990_2023 (for example). Complete applications should be sent to trustee@htptrust.org as a pdf attachment. Applications will be reviewed quickly, and those selected for further evaluation will be notified usually within a week or two of receipt of the application. Applications will be accepted until 16 May 2025 unless a suitable recipient organization is not found, in which case a new deadline will be posted. Decisions reached by the Trust are final and may not be appealed.