REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 17, 2026
FROM
JANKI PATEL, Acting Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT
Title
Authority to Submit Grant Applications to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Health, to electronically execute and submit grant applications, and any subsequent non-substantive application amendments, in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000 per application, to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on behalf of the County, subject to review by County Counsel, for a period of two years or until rescinded by the Board of Supervisors, whichever occurs first.
(Presenter: Janki Patel, Acting Director, 387-9146)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) grants do not require a local match. The Department of Public Health (DPH) grant application submissions are anticipated to be in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000 per application. No grant revenue is being accepted and no budget adjustment is requested through this item. DPH will return to the Board of Supervisors (Board) to accept funding, if awarded.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ASPCA was established in 1866 and was the first animal rights organization in North America. Their mission is to be the leading voice in animal welfare, bringing the critical protection of animals to the forefront of society. ASPCA granted approximately $14,000,000 in grant funding in 2026 and is anticipated to grant a similar amount in 2027 to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics to help meet the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States.
ASPCA grant opportunities post to their website with little advanced notice of the grant application’s opening date and typically contain quick due dates. ASPCA awards grants on a first-come, first-served basis, resulting in DPH missing the opportunity to be awarded as funds are depleted by the time the grant application is submitted. The short window between receiving these notifications and completing the County’s required grant-application review and approval process prevents the timely submission of ASPCA grant applications. During 2025 and 2026, DPH was unable to apply for several ASPCA funding opportunities, ranging from approximately $10,000 to $500,000, due to limited application timelines and administrative review requirements.
The requested two-year delegated authority in Recommendation No. 1 will enable DPH to promptly and competitively respond to ASPCA grant opportunities rather than seeking expedited exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The delegated authority will reduce administrative delays, provide continuity in the grant process, and allow DPH to pursue funding opportunities that support its long-term animal care goals.
Additionally, ASPCA requires applicants to agree to a binding condition stating that information submitted in the application may be used in any way the organization deems appropriate to support its mission, including fundraising. Because this term would legally bind the County upon submission, these applications historically have not been approved to be routed through the County Administrative Office for approval under County Policy 05-13.
Recommendation No. 1 will authorize the Director of Public Health to submit grant applications to ASPCA in an amount not-to-exceed $150,000 per application. Early authorization will ensure DPH meets the short application window and compete for grants that will be used to expand animal care services throughout the county. If DPH is notified of an award, the department will return to the Board for acceptance of the funding, consistent with County Policy 05-13.
Approval of this item will increase the opportunities for DPH to quickly compete and secure additional funding to continue providing lifesaving animal-care services.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Daniel Pasek, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 4, 2026; and CAO Finance (Guy Martinez, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-5428) on October 30, 2026.