The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services announces its 13th annual cycle of grants, awarding a total of $73,177 to 13 organizations. Since 2011, the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services has provided more than $580,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving companion animals (dogs, cats and horses) in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.
The Remy Fund, a Field of Interest Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, was established in 2010 by Birmingham area philanthropist, Ken Jackson, to honor the memory of his late dog, Remy. He has contributed over $750,000 to the fund, and is also the donor of Remy’s Dog Park at Red Mountain Park. As an endowed fund, the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services ensures there will be continued funding available for nonprofit organizations that provide services for companion animals and their humans.
Numerous individuals have donated to the Remy Fund, including significant support from: Peyton Lee, in honor of her beloved deceased dog, Orca; VP Funds, focused on “Kindness, Consideration and Common Sense.” Also, Beverly Brice LeBeouf has included the Remy Fund in her estate plan. In addition, the Anne Knight Townsend Fund for the Welfare of Animals, the Jean K. Forman Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Diane and Warren Ferguson Fund for Animals supported the Remy Fund grantees.
The Remy Fund Grant Committee conducts in-depth reviews of all grant applicants, including in-person and virtual site visits. Remy Fund Advisory Committee members include Debra Linton (Committee Chair), Cathy Adams, Bert Gaddis DVM, Brenda Bell Guercio, James “Murphy” Lynch DVM, Maggie McDonald, Beverly Virciglio, Cameron Vowell and Laura Wainwright. Mr. Jackson serves as an ex officio member of the Committee.
“The Remy Fund continues to assist in providing critical funding to large and small nonprofit organizations in our community, that work tirelessly to improve the lives of animals and the humans they touch,” says Ken Jackson.
All five counties served by the Remy Fund are represented among the grant recipients. The 13 organizations awarded this year include Alabama Spay Neuter, Two by Two Animal Rescue, Walker County Humane Society, Bama Bully Rescue, Animal Savers of Pell City, Kitty Kat Haven, Rescuers United for Furbabies (RUFF), Sugarbelle Foundation, Special Equestrians, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Adopt A Golden Birmingham, Pita and Pecan’s Animal Rescue, and Birmingham AIDS Outreach.
If you share Ken’s “animal passion,” you can be part of the Remy Fund by making a gift online at www.cfbham.org/remy-fund/ or by check. If you are interested in establishing an endowed fund or leaving a legacy through an estate gift, please contact George Gaskin at ggaskin@cfbham.org. The grant cycle for 2024 grants from the Remy Fund for Pets & Animal Services will open for applications March 15, 2024. For more information about grants, contact Kim Rogers at krogers@cfbham.org.