[Photo: chendongshan/istockphoto]
The Communities Foundation of Texas is celebrating National Pet Month in May with North Texas Gives to Animals, a fundraising campaign through the NorthTexasGivingDay.org platform.
North Texas Gives to Animals runs from May 14-31 and includes support from Presenting Sponsor: The Gigi Gartner Charitable Foundation Fund, as well as CFT and the Haroon Alvi and Nancy Cozzie Fund at CFT.
Beginning Thursday, May 14, donations of up to $100 per person, per nonprofit, will be matched until the $100,000 match has been met. For example, giving $100 to an organization turns into $200 for the organization while the match is available.
“With more than 300 animal-focused organizations participating in this fundraising campaign, NorthTexasGivingDay.org makes it easy to support nonprofits you know and love while also discovering new ones making an impact on the lives of pets and their families,” Wayne White, CFT President and CEO, said in a statement.
Inspiring people to give
On the website, donors can browse different categories of verified animal-focused nonprofits, including Animal-Assisted Therapy & Support Services; Animal Shelters & Adoption; Cats; Dogs; Other Domestic Animals; Pet Wellness & Veterinary Care; Surrender Diversion & Animal Resources; and Wildlife & Animal Protection.
Communities Foundation of Texas, sponsors, and generous givers also cover all transaction and technology fees, ensuring 100% of each donation made on NorthTexasGivingDay.org goes directly to local nonprofits.
North Texas Gives to Animals is an initiative of CFT’s “North Texas Gives,” an expansion of North Texas Giving Day. This year marks the third consecutive year CFT is celebrating National Pet Month by supporting North Texas animal-focused nonprofits through a special fundraising campaign.
“NorthTexasGivingDay.org makes it easy to support local nonprofits,” White said. “We’re grateful to use the platform year-round to spotlight important causes and inspire people to learn about our region’s needs and give back.”
‘Caring for animals in need’
Gigi Gartner, a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, also matched donations in 2025, with more than $580,000 raised by the community to benefit animals and their caregivers. Through Gartner’s partnership since the start of North Texas Gives to Animals, the past two years combined have raised nearly $950,000.
The campaign runs for the final weeks of National Pet Month; a national annual initiative held in May celebrating pets and their families while highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and the needs of nonprofits serving animals. In Dallas, many animal-focused nonprofits observe National Pet Month by hosting events and programs that support pets and their families.
“I know firsthand how deeply an adopted pet can change a life for the better,” said Gigi Gartner, a CFT fundholder helping provide matching funds for participating organizations. “The love, comfort, and joy my rescue dogs have brought into my life are gifts I will always cherish. Every animal deserves the chance to experience a happy, healthy, and loving home. I hope this match encourages our community to come together in support of local nonprofits caring for animals in need. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference for pets waiting for a second chance.”
Types of animal-focused programs included in the drive
Through this campaign, CFT said it hopes to raise awareness about the importance of local animal-focused nonprofits that, according to CFT:
:: Provide shelter and care: Many nonprofits ensure that animals without permanent homes have safe places to live, whether in a shelter, foster home, or refugee. Some organizations also actively fight animal abuse and advocate for neglected animals.
:: Promote adoption: Animal nonprofits work to pair the right pets with the right households, placing animals in “furever” homes and completing families. Animal welfare organizations encourage adopting pets from shelters and rescues, helping to give animals a second chance while reducing shelter overcrowding.
:: Lead spay and neuter efforts: Many animal welfare organizations have spay & neuter initiatives. These can include low-cost or free clinics for pet owners, and/or trap, neuter, & vaccinate programs for strays. The practice of spaying, neutering, and vaccinating animals can be linked to increased public safety.
:: Provide resources for families with pets: Animal-focused nonprofits may offer resources and education on pet care, pet behavior, and training services. Many organizations also offer affordable, accessible, and quality veterinary care or critical pet supplies like food. In addition, some programs focus on surrender prevention, helping families keep their pets during difficult times, or offer rehoming services to ensure animals avoid entering shelters.
:: Protect wildlife: Beyond companion animals, some nonprofits are committed to protecting and preserving wildlife. These organizations may rescue and rehabilitate injured, infant, or ill animals native to our region such as birds, rabbits, opossums, and more. They may also rescue exotic animals.
:: Provide Animal-Assisted Therapy & Support Services: Nonprofits committed to animal-human interaction programs that support therapeutic outcomes, and to training or facilitating assistance animals that help people learn, heal, and navigate disabilities.
Donations can be made at NorthTexasGivingDay.org.
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