THE PORCHLIGHT FUND
The porch is a place where people of all walks gather to share stories, find warmth and community. The light on the porch shines as a symbol of home, safety and belonging...
Po, Winky and Dipsy were found wandering in someone’s backyard. They were small at just 8 weeks old. They had been born outside - their mama was a feral community cat known and fed by the neighbors. She gave birth in a backyard, looking after her kittens until they were old enough to be on their own.
Po was adopted first. Off the steps of the Founder’s front porch, Po found her forever family and Paws and Claws was born.
Today, Paws and Claws has grown from a front porch to the Cat Adoption Center. From within the walls at 829 Chicago Avenue, now the heart of our community, we continue to shine a light, for vulnerable felines at risk and people seeking purpose and community.
The Porchlight Fund is the next step in securing the future of Paws and Claws, ensuring we are able to continue saving lives, building community and shining a light welcoming felines and people alike.
Help us keep the porchlight on.
Every feline we rescue comes with an inherent funding gap, with adoption fees covering only 67% of the cost required to save a cat with no medical needs. With additional medical needs or extended stays, this gap widens significantly.
THE RESCUE GAP: UNDERSTANDING THE NEED
As we increases our life-saving efforts in 2025, this gap in funding will cost the organization no less than $99,760. This represents a 1:1 ratio between adoption fees and the primary minimum to ready a cat for adoption. We anticipate this funding deficit to exceed $150,000 in 2025.
To continue our lifesaving work, we need support from our community.
Pictured: Meadowlark
Saved on February 8, 2025
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Pictured: Mr. Steal Your Heart
Saved on September 20, 2024
WHAT THE PORCHLIGHT
FUND WILL DO
The Porchlight Fund is a dedicated annual fund that will serve to fully fill the gap between the cost to save a life and the cost to adopt, while allowing Paws and Claws to sustain and scale its programs and operations for continued growth.​
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Enhance facilities and resources to accommodate the growing needs of felines and the people who love them.
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Attract and retain the most talented staff ensuring we have the expertise needed to lead in feline welfare.
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Strengthen animal care by providing essential medical treatment, enrichment, and a comfortable environment for every cat in our care.
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Expand our reach into our community, partnering with the people we work alongside.
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The Porchlight Fund bridges this critical gap, empowering Paws and Claws to grow responsibly and impact more lives.
LEVELS OF GIVING
To embolden the impact of The Porchlight Fund we ask you to consider giving at a level most meaningful to you.
FOUNDING LIGHT
$100,000
$75,000
$50,000
Pictured: Sunshower
Saved on February 20, 2025
PATHWAY LIGHT
$7,500
$5,000
$2,500
Pictured: Sabrina
Saved on February 15, 2025
LEADERSHIP LIGHT
$25,000
$15,000
$10,000
Pictured: Kepler
Saved on January 18, 2025
SPOTLIGHT NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
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Pictured: Juli
Saved on January 24, 2024
To discuss the impact you would like to make, contact Director of Development Shanti Drake at shanti@pawsandclawscatrescue.org
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CHARTING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Looking ahead, we are committed to growing our lifesaving efforts by 40% in 2025. To achieve this, we must secure funding that enables strategic expansion, strengthens Paws and Claws' position as a leader in animal welfare, and ensures our ability to serve felines and the community.
The next five years of Paws and Claws will be defined by those who come alongside our mission through compassionate investment. The Porchlight Fund is the path to this.