2022
Animals
In response to the broad spectrum of services and missions within the animal-services category, the SFIF board expanded the number of grants from three to six for the 2022 giving cycle.
As a result, nearly $1.5 million was distributed to organizations focused on causes as diverse as pollinating bees, therapy dogs for children and a rhino preserve at one of America’s largest zoos.
“Since the days of E. W. Scripps and his sister, Ellen Browning Scripps, this family has been steeped in a commitment to community-enriching philanthropy.
We have clearly extended that legacy with this year’s effort by the Scripps Family Impact Fund. In the few short years since our inception, we have provided nearly $5 million in funding to outstanding causes from coast to coast, and this year’s collection of remarkable grant recipients makes all of our donors proud to be part of their ongoing success.”
– Wes Scripps, SFIF co-chair
Recipients of gifts from the Impact Fund were:
The Cincinnati Zoo’s Rhino Reserve, which is an innovative new environment that is helping save black rhinos from extinction.
Dog Is My Copilot reduces animal euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by ensuring that each pet has the chance to find a safe and loving home.
Pollinator Partnership, which promotes the health of the endangered bee pollinators that are critical to food and ecosystems.
Puppies Behind Bars, which trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders.
CARES Northwest, which, among other services, provides therapy dogs for children who have experienced abuse.
$1,409,500
Total contribution this year
The final grant recipient is the UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, in memory of Careen Cardin. Careen was a charter member of the SFIF board who championed animal services as a giving focus for the fund, and her mother, Edie Tomasko, founded the center in 1992.
“Our board had more calls and meetings about our grant applications this year than ever before, because all of the applications were so compelling.
It’s a testament to the strength of our finalist charities that they were able to stand apart from a field with so many outstanding applications. The Scripps family is proud to support such a diverse group of top-tier animal-services organizations.”
– Jaime Scripps, SFIF co-chair
By design, the Impact Fund changes its focus from year to year. Children’s-services agencies were the beneficiaries the first year, followed by Covid-related efforts in year two and healthcare charities in year three.
“From changing the focus to Covid during the middle of our second year to expanding the field of finalists this year in response to feedback from the family, the SFIF board has shown an agility that is uncommon in the philanthropic world.
Even though our organization is young, it’s quickly becoming known in nonprofit circles as a great financial partner because of the passion and commitment of our board members and the reliable generosity of our family members.”
– Ray Granado, SFIF board secretary