Sherry Chappell Cooper Foundation Incorporated
The Sherry Chappell Cooper Foundation awards grants to organizations that provide rescue, rehabilitation and care for dogs and cats in the Southeastern U.S., and for elephants and big cats across the U.S. The site states the foundation was founded in 2002 (originally The Oliver Foundation) and renamed after Sherry Chappell Cooper; the site lists EIN 03-0442925.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established animal rescue, humane society, or accredited sanctuary working in Florida or the Southeastern U.S.; for elephants and big cats, a national sanctuary with demonstrated capacity to manage sizeable grants and reporting requirements.
Good Fit
- • Organization is a dog or cat rescue or humane society operating in Florida or the Southeast.
- • Organization is an accredited sanctuary for elephants or big cats with national scope.
- • Ability to absorb and report on a large, multi‑year grant (evidence of financial and programmatic capacity).
- • Willingness to respond to an emailed inquiry and complete the foundation’s online application when invited.
- • Existing local credibility or prior relationship/referral to the foundation’s directors.
Geography
Giving is regionally concentrated: two states received grants in 2023 with Florida taking 84% of dollars, indicating a Southeastern/Florida focus rather than national breadth.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows four distinct independent recipients (different shelters and a sanctuary) and three new grantees that year, suggesting a modest but real spread of beneficiaries rather than a single-recipient pattern.
New Applicants
The foundation publishes application instructions on its website and funded three new organizations in 2023, supporting realistic entry paths; however, public language and portfolio concentration indicate the fund is selective and may prioritize preselected or invited applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
