History
My Pit Bull is Family was founded in 2011 by a landlord in Minneapolis, MN who realized that her properties were among the few that accepted Pit Bull Type Dogs. After she removed breed and weight restrictions in her properties, she adopted her first Pit Bull Type dog named Tate (left) and later Persia (right). Through her passion to promote inclusive pet policies – a campaign to end housing and insurance discrimination was started. Through a team of volunteers in Minneapolis and around the country, bumper stickers were shared and displayed by supporters. This campaign lead the volunteers to create a housing database of rentals that accept Pit Bull Type Dogs.
In 2014, Shannon Glenn joined the campaign and moved forward with creating a non-profit organization, My Pit Bull is Family. Since 2014, the organization has grown through increasing volunteers in Minneapolis and around the country, has attended events both locally and nationally, managing the Nation’s largest database of rentals that accept all dogs, and is now viewed as a leader in animal welfare.
My Pit Bull is Family is focused on ending housing and insurance discrimination for ALL dogs regardless of what they look like or their perceived breed. We know that all dogs are individuals and that the families that love them deserve a place to call home, together. Each month our volunteer team contacts dog-friendly apartments in various cities across the US to gather data on pet policies. We know that lack of pet-friendly housing is a top reason why families surrender their dog to shelters and rescues. We believe that through providing resources to families searching for housing, through partnering with local organizations to provide wrap-around services – we will be able to reduce the number of dogs that enter our shelters and rescues each year.
Strategic Priorities
- Increase donors
- Create and maintain corporate sponsorships
- Recruit more volunteers
- Create and implement policies and procedures
- Hire additional paid staff
- Increase service offerings
- Increase program exposure
Annual Budget: $300,000 – Earned Income, Foundations, Individual Contributions
Skills
My Pit Bull is Family is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Financial Management
- Fundraising
- Marketing and Communications
- Strategic and Business Planning
We’re looking for candidates that have a passion for people and pets. Our organization crosses the boundaries of animal welfare, human services, and housing advocacy.
Information
- Number of members currently: 6
- Meeting time and frequency: 12 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Virtual
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 8 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: No
- Service on Committee Required: Yes
- Committees: Executive, Finance
- Length of Term: 2 Years
- Renewable: Yes