Which Cornwall animal charity should get Animal Squad’s £500?

Somewhere in Cornwall or Devon there’s a small group getting by on volunteers, donated food and not much else, keeping animals fed, warm and safe. One of them is going to get £500 before Christmas. And you get a say in which.

Animal Squad, the Cornwall-based animal welfare fundraising charity founded by entrepreneur Carly Ward, has opened nominations for its first ever grant. The £500 will go to an animal welfare charity or voluntary organisation in Cornwall or Devon.

Animal lovers across both counties are being asked to put forward the local group they most admire. That could be a rescue centre, a sanctuary, a wildlife rescuer or a volunteer-run group. Nominations are open now and close on Monday 16 November.

Who can be nominated

Any animal welfare charity or voluntary organisation based in Cornwall or Devon can be put forward, whatever animals it helps. Dogs, cats, horses, farm animals and wildlife all count, and the list doesn’t stop there.

How the winner is chosen

Once nominations close, a shortlist goes to Animal Squad’s independent grant panel, the Grant Squad. Its four members are experienced local business leaders, one of them a veterinary professional. They will score each shortlisted organisation and choose the winner.

“Our first grant is a real milestone for us, and we wanted the people who see this work every day to help us decide where it goes,” says Carly.

“There are so many small groups in Cornwall and Devon doing incredible things for animals with very little money. This is our chance to say thank you, and to show what happens when lots of people give a little.”

Where the money comes from

The £500 is funded by Animal Squad’s growing community of supporters, who join the Squad from just £1 a month. The charity started accepting donations in July, and every membership adds to a collective grant fund. Individuals and businesses can both sign up, with a dedicated package for business partners.

Animal Squad is a registered charity (number 1217420). This first grant is being kept local, but the plan is to extend future grants further afield as the fund grows.

How to nominate

• Nominate: fill in the Animal Squad grant nomination form
• Nominations close: Monday 16 November
• Winner chosen by: the Grant Squad
• Grant awarded: before Christmas

Anyone who wants to add to the next pot can join the Squad from £1 a month.