Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services

The Remy Fund for Pets and Animal Services is a special philanthropic initiative housed within the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Established in 2010 by local philanthropist Ken Jackson in memory of his late dog Remy, the fund embodies a strong commitment to the well-being of traditional companion animals—specifically dogs, cats, and horses—and the human lives they positively impact. Since awarding its first round of grants in 2011, the Remy Fund has distributed nearly $740,000 to a variety of nonprofit organizations focused on animal welfare in the greater Birmingham area. The Remy Fund targets its grantmaking to nonprofit organizations that serve companion animals across five Alabama counties: Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker. These grants are intended to support both general operating costs and project-specific initiatives, provided that such projects demonstrate clear goals and measurable outcomes. However, capital projects are explicitly excluded from consideration under this fund’s current guidelines. Programmatic areas supported by the Remy Fund include rescue, shelter, and adoption services; spay and neuter programs; and animal-assisted therapy that incorporates dogs, cats, or horses. Additionally, the fund backs educational and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting the humane and dignified treatment of traditional companion animals. Past recipients have included organizations such as Alabama Spay/Neuter, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, and Shelby Humane Society. Each of these organizations received $10,000 grants in 2025 for initiatives ranging from subsidized veterinary care to emergency support for pet owners. The application process is designed to be thorough and equitable, incorporating a combination of written submissions and site visits—either in-person or virtual. Review and selection are conducted by the Remy Fund Grant Committee, composed of community members and veterinary professionals with a demonstrated passion for animal welfare. The committee is chaired by Debra Linton and includes members with expertise in animal health and nonprofit leadership. Ken Jackson, the fund’s founder, serves in an ex officio capacity. For the 2026 grant cycle, applications will be accepted from Monday, March 16 through Thursday, April 30. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals early and to clearly articulate how their programs align with the fund's mission. For additional information or questions related to the application process, applicants may contact Meg Ford via email at [email protected] or by phone at 205.327.3807.