Welcome to the Foster 50 Challenge! Thank you for joining us on this important journey to grow your foster network programming. In our first episode, you’ll hear real talk about what actually works to build a foster program that scales and sustains. We’ll also discuss the important checkpoints of the Foster 50 program to prepare you for grant submission timing and for our national consumer launch to drive foster participation to your organization.

PLEASE NOTE: While all shelters and rescue organizations are invited to participate in the free trainings and access to online resources and Foster 50 podcast, grants are only open to organizations within the continental United States. In addition, shelter and rescue organizations in Puerto Rico that are 501(c)3 may also apply for one of the PEDIGREE Foundation grants.

On June 5 we will be formally announcing Foster 50 nationwide. As part of this announcement, we’ll be driving pet parents to a page on PEDIGREEFoundation.org where they can learn more about how to foster, how to prepare for fostering, and what shelters and rescues in their area are participating in Foster 50.

If you plan to apply for a Foster 50 Challenge Grant from PEDIGREE Foundation or Maddie's Fund, you MUST opt-in to having your organization's name, address and website link listed on the page by FRIDAY, MAY 23rd (11:59 PM CT).

Office Hours have been changed due to the Memorial Day holiday. They will now be Mondays, May 5, 12, 19, and Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12pm PT/3pm ET.

HOSTS: Kristen Hassen, Principal, Outcomes Consulting
               Kelly Duer, Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist, Maddie's Fund

GUEST: Sarah Aguilar, Director, Santa Barbara County Animal Services 

LINKS:

• Sign up for the Foster 50 Challenge!
• Foster 50 Challenge recruitment checklist
• Fostering Connections: A Guide to Strengthening Volunteer & Foster Programs
• Foster resource collections 
• How to pilot a program
• Super charge your foster program with these 7 guiding principles (5 min. read)