739 — New Purina Pro Plan Grant Program Levels the Playing Field for All Dog Clubs

New Purina Pro Plan Grant Program Levels the Playing Field for All Dog Clubs Host Laura Reeves is joined by Purina’s Heidi Hartman to discuss the exciting evolution of the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) into the brand new Pro Plan Grant Program. For years, the PPCP distributed funds based on Pro Club member receipt uploads, which unintentionally favored highly popular breeds with large club memberships, leaving smaller clubs with minimal funding. The new Pro Plan Grant Program is designed to level the playing field, ensuring that a small breed club with just a handful of members has the exact same opportunity to secure a grant as massive organizations like the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever clubs. Now, any qualified 501(c)3 parent breed club can apply for a grant of up to $5,000. These funds act as a strategic partnership to support vital initiatives, including canine health research, educational outreach, breed preservation and rescue programs. Key Takeaways & Important Dates: Equal Opportunity Funding:The David and Goliath dynamic is gone. Small and large clubs now have an equal shot at earning substantial funding for their initiatives.Application Timeline:The simple online application process opens onJune 1and closes onSeptember 30.Approval & Payouts:Grant applications will be reviewed by a diverse committee between October 1 and November 30. Winners will be announced in December, with funds dispersed in January.Purina Pro Club is NOT Going Away:While the PPCP donation matching is ending, you should absolutely keep uploading your receipts! The Pro Club and its redemption programs are still highly active. How to Apply: Starting June 1, eligible clubs can access the straightforward online application to submit their grant requests. You can scan the QR code found on Pro Plan Grant Program literature at Purina dog show booths to apply directly. Remember, the application must be submitted by the board of your parent club.