A Passion for Pets and Animal Services
In 2010, Birmingham area philanthropist Ken Jackson established the Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to honor the memory of his late dog, Remy. The endowed fund awarded its first annual grants in 2011, and has now awarded nearly $650,000 to support diverse animal organizations in our community.
The Remy Fund awards grants to companion animal (dogs, cats and horses) nonprofits serving Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties. Grant requests are considered for organizational support, and for specific projects with clear goals and objectives (capital projects will not be considered at this time). Typical grants have been awarded for:
- rescue/shelter/adoption programs
- spay/neuter services
- animal-assisted therapy programs involving dogs, cats and horses
- education and advocacy programs (promoting the humane and dignified treatment of traditional companion animals)
The Remy Fund Grant Committee conducts in-depth reviews of all grant applicants, including in-person and virtual site visits. Remy Fund Grant Committee members include Debra Linton (Chair), Cathy Adams, Bert Gaddis DVM, Sheryl Kimerling, James “Murphy” Lynch DVM, Maggie McDonald, Isabel Rubio, Cameron Vowell, and Laura Wainwright. Ken Jackson serves as an ex officio member of the Committee.