The Polk County Community Foundation recently awarded the Foothills Humane Society with two grants.

“We are so pleased that our work is being recognized by another local organization,” said FHS Executive Director Selena Coffey. “The Polk County Community Foundation’s support of our work inspires us to do even more to assure that all local animals in need are cared for and find forever homes.”

The first grant of $2,200 was awarded for important strategic planning for FHS.

The use of a professional facilitator during a retreat environment will assist the board of directors in organizational planning and selecting top initiatives to focus on in the coming year.

The second grant of $4,300 supports technological improvements for the organization.  Most important are the upgrades to the Foothills Humane Society website. Added features will include e-commerce capacity, as well as improvement in online adoptions and donations. Included in the grant is an upgrade in the telephone system and a laptop computer.

As noted in the organization’s 2011 annual report, 69 percent of Foothills Humane Society’s operations are funded through grants, donations, bequests and fund-raising efforts.

A total of 82 percent of the organization’s expenses went toward the care and placement of the animals in their shelter.

For more information about Foothills Humane Society, visit www.foothillshumanesoceity.org or call 828-863-4444.

– article submitted by Joyce Cox