to Expand Access to Animal-Assisted Therapy in Florida
WELLINGTON, FL. (May 29, 2025) — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) has awarded $43,700 in grants to three Florida-based nonprofit organizations using therapy animals to support emotional well-being and trauma recovery. The funding will expand access to canine- and equine-assisted services for children and adults in crisis—especially those who face financial barriers to care.
The Human-Animal Alliance is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the healing power of the human-animal connection. Through direct grantmaking, public education, and policy advocacy, H-AA helps ensure that people and animals can form and maintain meaningful relationships—particularly during times of trauma, hardship, or crisis.
“As mental health challenges rise nationwide, so does the need for creative, compassionate support systems,” said Jackie Ducci, Founder of the Human-Animal Alliance. “Animals provide unconditional love, grounding, and comfort—especially for people who are struggling. We’re proud to support these organizations that are doing incredible work, and to help make these healing connections more accessible to those who need them most.”
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Canine Assisted Therapy (C.A.T.) – Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Grant: $15,700
- Funding will support five certified therapy dog and handler teams who will deliver emotional support in hospitals, schools, behavioral health facilities, and more.
- Tomorrow’s Rainbow – Coconut Creek, FL
- Grant: $16,000
- Funds will sponsor therapy horses River and Rocky and expand grief support programming for children and families coping with adversity and loss.
- Crossroads Corral – Longwood, FL
- Grant: $12,000
- Scholarship funds will allow youth—many of whom are on Medicaid and lack access to therapy—to participate in equine-assisted services.
These new awards bring H-AA’s total giving to nearly 300,000 since its founding in 2022. An additional $100,000 in grants is anticipated by year-end, as the organization scales its national impact.
H-AA ensures 100% of public donations go directly to programming. Founder Jackie Ducci personally covers all overhead expenses—a rare distinction in philanthropy. “Donors deserve to know where their money is going,” said Ducci. “At H-AA, every dollar makes a difference—and every grant supports human-animal connection in a life-changing way.”
About the Human-Animal Alliance
The Human-Animal Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by entrepreneur and equestrian Jackie Ducci to support and expand access to therapeutic human-animal connections. With a focus on three pillars—preserving existing connections, creating new ones, and advocating for public recognition of their value—H-AA identifies and funds exceptional programs across the country that use animals to support mental health, emotional recovery, and social well-being.
To learn more or donate, visit www.h-aa.org.
About Jackie Ducci
Jackie Ducci is the founder of The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA), a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for human-animal connections that heal and uplift. Since its launch in 2022, H-AA has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to grassroots programs supporting people and animals through trauma and crisis. Jackie personally covers all overhead expenses, ensuring that every dollar donated directly funds impactful work. Under her leadership, H-AA empowers exceptional programs and raises societal awareness for the vital role of animals in human well-being.
