The Silver Friends Golden Paws Senior Pet Care Grant was created in memory of Roma Gordman, a longtime resident of Clayton and a devoted community leader. Roma was a member of the Dayton Women’s Club for more than 50 years, serving as past president and as president of the DWC Foundation. She was also active with what is now Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley and served as past president of the Dayton Antiques Study Club.

While her civic involvement was extensive, Roma’s greatest passion was animal welfare, especially helping senior citizens care for their beloved pets. Following her passing in 2010, the Silver Friends Golden Paws Senior Pet Care Grant was established to carry on that mission.

Today, the grant is awarded to animal-based nonprofit organizations that offer programs designed to assist senior citizens in caring for their pets. The goal is simple but powerful: to ensure seniors can continue to experience the companionship, comfort, and emotional support their animals provide.

Recent Grant Recipient

Through this grant, Greene Giving continues to support organizations making a direct impact. Last year’s Silver Friends Golden Paws grant was awarded to HALO K9 Behaviors, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and their owners through training, behavior support, and education. Their work helps keep pets in loving homes, especially for seniors who rely on their animals as companions.

Who Qualifies

Grants are generally awarded to charitable organizations that are exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Non 501(c)(3) organizations may also be considered if they can document charitable activity that benefits senior citizens in need of assistance caring for their pets.

Selection Criteria

In reviewing applications, Greene Giving gives priority to organizations serving senior pet owners in situations such as:

• Seniors living on limited incomes
• Seniors who are responsible pet owners and their pet is a primary companion
• Abuse or neglect cases
• Extenuating circumstances beyond the owner’s control (house fire, severe disability, etc.)
• Seniors with outstanding veterinary debt or accounts in collections

Eligible Uses of Grant Funds

Grants may be used for:

• Veterinary services and medications
• Follow-up care resulting from surgical complications
• Euthanasia only as a last resort

Grants should not be used for:

• Routine spay and neuter services
• Routine veterinary care, except in special cases involving extenuating circumstances

Where Grants May Be Used

Grant funds may be used for services provided by veterinarians affiliated with organizations such as:

• Humane Society of Greene County
• SISCA (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals)

Preference is given to “no-kill” facilities. Grants may also be used at the veterinary clinic of the pet owner’s choice after a voucher has been issued.

All grants are distributed according to the above guidelines.