Purina Foundation Awards $1.16M to Bolster Pets and Communities

ST. LOUIS, MO – December 29, 2025 – Reinforcing a philanthropic legacy stretching back decades, the Purina Foundation announced the distribution of more than $1.165 million in grants to 27 nonprofit organizations across the United States throughout 2025. This significant financial commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to supporting the communities where Nestlé Purina PetCare operates, addressing critical needs for both people and the pets that enrich their lives.

Established by company founder William H. Danforth, the Purina Foundation continues a mission to strengthen communities, support pets in need, and provide rapid assistance during times of natural disaster. The 2025 grants were strategically allocated across four key pillars: improving animal welfare, investing in future generations, enhancing local communities, and providing disaster relief, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to corporate citizenship.

Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond

A core tenet of Purina's philosophy is the belief that the bond between people and pets makes life richer. In 2025, a substantial portion of the foundation's funding was directed toward organizations dedicated to nurturing this bond and improving access to essential pet care. These grants target a wide spectrum of needs, from foundational veterinary services to innovative programs addressing societal challenges.

Significant funding was awarded to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to support the complete renovation of its Family Pet Center, a unique facility that allows patients to visit with their own pets during extended hospital stays, providing crucial emotional support. In Wisconsin, the Watertown Humane Society received a grant to construct a new veterinary resource clinic, a project designed to serve not only its shelter population but also pets belonging to local families, increasing access to affordable care.

Addressing the nationwide issue of pet overpopulation and access to care, grants were also provided for the construction and equipping of low-cost spay and neuter clinics. The Humane Society of Deaf Smith County in Hereford, Texas, received funds for a new clinic, while Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Missouri, will use its grant to purchase new equipment for its onsite veterinary clinic. In Virginia, the Peninsula Pet Pantry is building a new kitten nursery, which will double as a pet food distribution site, tackling the needs of the community’s most vulnerable animals and the families who care for them.

Further demonstrating a focus on innovative solutions, Flagstaff Shelter Services in Arizona was awarded a grant to create a new pet-friendly emergency shelter. This initiative directly addresses a major barrier for unhoused individuals, who often refuse shelter to avoid being separated from their companion animals. In Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Service Dogs will use its funding to increase its capacity to place highly trained service dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD, a program that provides life-changing support to the nation's heroes.

Investing in People and Future Leaders

Aligned with the Nestlé Needs YOU career development initiative, the Purina Foundation made significant investments in education and youth engagement. These grants aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders, professionals, and responsible citizens. In Iowa, the Clinton County Agricultural Society received funds to renovate a community center used by local 4-H clubs, ensuring young people have a safe and modern space to learn and grow.

This focus on agricultural and veterinary education was a clear theme. The Ellsworth Agricultural Education & FFA Chapter in Wisconsin will develop a new agricultural education lab, providing hands-on learning opportunities. Near Davenport, Iowa, the North Scott Community School District received a grant to purchase advanced veterinary science and technology equipment for its new Regional Innovation Center. This investment complements another Iowa-based grant to the Iowa Central Community College Foundation, which supports a veterinarian training program that offers free care to local shelter pets, creating a powerful synergy between education and animal welfare.

Beyond agricultural education, the foundation supported broader youth and community initiatives. The Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa County in Oklahoma will renovate and expand its teen center, while the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library in Missouri will use its grant to update exhibits and create a new community education program for area youth. In a powerful show of support for military and first responder families, the Folds of Honor Foundation received funding for a scholarship program in Oklahoma City.

Enhancing Local Communities and First Responders

As a major employer in 25 U.S. cities, Purina is deeply invested in the health and vitality of its local communities. The foundation awarded numerous grants to improve public spaces, support essential services, and honor community heroes. The largest of these local commitments is the ongoing support for the United Way of Greater St. Louis, whose network of 160 agencies provides critical healthcare, education, and financial stability to over a million people in Purina's global headquarters region.

Several grants focused on improving community infrastructure and accessibility. In Fairburn, Georgia, RiverLife, Inc. received funds to build and install wheelchair ramps for residents with mobility challenges. The City of Hereford, Texas, will renovate a community playground to add wheelchair accessibility, making it an inclusive space for all children. Near Allentown, Pennsylvania, a grant to the Upper Macungie Township Community Fund will help build a much-needed new community center.

Notably, the foundation also directed funds toward supporting first responders and their K9 partners. The Draper Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina will purchase new life-saving rescue equipment. In the Zanesville, Ohio, area, two separate grants will directly benefit police K9 units: the Guernsey County Fraternal Order of Police will establish a veterinary care fund for its K9 officers, and the Cambridge Police Department will build and enhance its kennels, ensuring these four-legged officers receive the care and housing they deserve.

Providing Critical Aid in Times of Crisis

When disaster strikes, swift and effective support is paramount. The Purina Foundation has a long-standing practice of providing immediate financial aid to nonprofit organizations leading relief efforts. In 2025, this commitment was demonstrated through several key grants in response to natural disasters that devastated communities across the country.

Following a destructive EF3 tornado that struck Purina's hometown of St. Louis in May, the foundation provided grants to The St. Louis Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater St. Louis to aid in clean-up and relief efforts. A similar response was made after a tornado hit Delta, Missouri, in April, with funds directed to the Cape Area Community Foundation to support impacted residents.

Working with its national partner, Greater Good Charities, the foundation also extended its reach to other disaster-stricken regions. Funds were provided to support people and pets affected by the severe Southern California wildfires in January and to aid flood relief efforts in Central Texas in July. This strategy of partnering with established relief organizations ensures that funds are deployed quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most, helping communities begin the long and difficult process of recovery.