After attending Battersea's Grants Fundraising sessions, Street Hearts BG successfully applied for two grants and were awarded both. These funds enabled them to expand their spay and neuter programmes, which remain at the heart of their mission to reduce the number of unwanted puppies being born.
They were able to offer free surgeries for owned dogs, helping dog owners in their community who could not otherwise afford this vital care for their pets, while also reaching street dogs who would have continued to breed unchecked. This has led to healthier animals, fewer puppies suffering needlessly, and a positive impact on the wider community, as the numbers of stray dogs are reduced and pressure on their shelter is eased.
Securing these grants also gave their team a real sense of achievement and confidence. As a small charity, it showed them that they could successfully compete for funding, and it has encouraged them to pursue further opportunities that they may not have felt able to approach before. Beyond the financial support, the process itself has strengthened their ability to present their work clearly to funders, which is something they will carry forward into all of their future applications.
They state that the training they've received from Battersea has been invaluable, not just in terms of practical knowledge, but also in the encouragement and inspiration it has given them. All of their team have taken part in multiple Battersea courses, both in London and online, on everything from fundraising and shelter management to animal enrichment and staff development. Each one has provided useful tools, fresh ideas, and even opportunities to connect with others in the sector.
“These learning experiences have helped us to grow as an organisation, given us greater confidence as a team, and ultimately allowed us to provide better care for the animals who need us most.”
– Emma Smith, Founder of Street Hearts BG
