Four therapy dog handlers in yellow shirts pose with their dogs wearing yellow bandanas in front of colorful artwork on easels — One Remy Fund grant recipient is Hand in Paw, Inc., is putting the funds to work for animal-assisted therapy. (Hand in Paw)

The Remy Fund for Pet and Animal Services has announced its 2026 grant recipients, and 12 nonprofit organizations in Greater Birmingham were chosen to receive a record $93,500 in grant money to better the lives of animals and their human companions.

The Remy Fund is a special interest fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, created in 2010 by Ken Jackson in memory of his beloved dog, Remy. Jackson, a local animal lover and philanthropist, is also the donor behind Remy’s Dog Park at Red Mountain Park.

Since 2011, the Remy Fund has awarded over $829,000 in grants to Greater Birmingham-based nonprofits, with the 2026 cycle marking a record total of $93,500 distributed to 12 organizations.

Keep scrolling to see how the grants are going to work for local nonprofits.

2026 Remy Fund grant recipients

DSCF0266 scaled e1754333691369 $93.5K awarded by Remy Fund to 12 Birmingham nonprofits for animals — Grants from the Remy Fund for Pets support the work of nonprofits for animals in Greater Birmingham. (Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham)

The Remy Fund’s 2026 grant applicants were thoroughly reviewed by the Remy Fund Grant Committee, who conducted site visits for each organization.

The 12 organizations selected to receive funding are:

Alabama Spay Neuter Clinic received $10,000 for the Remy SNIP Program, which will subsidize spay/neuter surgeries to qualified households in Central Alabama.
Greater Birmingham Humane Society received $10,000 to expand spay and neuter capacity with a focused commitment to providing free surgical services for dogs and pets in need.
Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue received $10,000 to provide veterinary care to cats whose medical needs exceed standard intake treatment.
Shelby Humane Society received $10,000 to spay or neuter animals in custody of Shelby Humane. The number of Shelby Humane shelter animals sent for surgery each year averages 1,200-1,500.
Walker County Humane Society received $10,000 to support low or no-cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs of Walker County.
The Sugarbelle Foundation received $8,000 to further their mission of keeping pets and people together by providing essential veterinary and supportive services.
Hand in Paw, Inc. received $7,500 to help reach their goal to recruit and train 30 new volunteer Therapy Teams in 2026, in celebration of their 30th anniversary.
Red Barn Foundation received $7,500 to support horse care for The Red Barn’s growing herd as their Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Learning programs expand.
Special Equestrians, Inc. received $5,500 for sponsorship of one equine partner. The well-being of each horse is carefully managed through a care plan that includes a balanced diet, tailored exercise routines, regular veterinary checkups and chiropractic care as needed.
All the Dogs received $5,000 for the immediate and ongoing needs of dogs in their care. All the Dogs Rescue is dedicated to rescuing “priority” dogs at heightened risk of euthanasia due to extended shelter stays, behavioral challenges, medical needs or age, providing them with the care, safety and support necessary to prepare them for permanent homes.
Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Inc. received $5,000 for the Pets are Wonderful Support (PAWS) Program, which provides free pet support for all HIV-positive individuals in BAO’s care, including spay/neuter surgery, high-quality monthly pet food and other essential pet supplies.
KatDadde received $5,000 to sustain KatDadde’s cat rescue, foster and adoption programs in our community.

Applications for the 2027 grant cycle will open Monday, March 15, 2027 and close Friday, April 30, 2027. Tap here for more information and the application.

How Remy Fund grants are directly supporting Birmingham animal nonprofits

The impact of Remy Fund is clear, as many of the organizations which received funding are already putting it to work for the welfare of animals in Greater Birmingham.

Hand in Paw, for example, is using their grant to recruit and train new volunteers for their Therapy Teams. These teams visit local schools and hospitals to provide therapy services to those who need it most.

Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue also shared how the Remy Fund has supported their mission to provide specialized care for cats. Taco surely is grateful for his life-saving emergency surgery.

Do you have a favorite nonprofit helping animals in Birmingham? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.