Established in Wilmington in 1996, Canines for Service is a local nonprofit that transforms lives by training service dogs for veterans and others living with disabilities, helping participants build stronger bonds and greater independence. In the spring of 2025, the organization received a $4,525 Community Grant from The Endowment to improve its behind-the-scenes systems, allowing staff to dedicate more time to mission-driven work.
With this support, Canines for Service implemented new online form software on its website, allowing applications, foster reports, and other key information to flow directly into the organization’s Salesforce database. Instead of manually re-entering data or tracking details across multiple spreadsheets, information now moves automatically and accurately into one system, reducing errors and speeding up follow-up with veterans, volunteers, and partners.
While these improvements are technical, their effects are deeply human. More efficient workflows allow staff to spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting veterans, training service dogs, and engaging the community. By modernizing its data systems, New Hanover County residents can access life-changing support more quickly, reliably, and effectively.
One example of Canines for Service’s impact is U.S. Navy veteran Jason, who served more than 24 years on active duty and now supports fellow veterans at Cape Fear Community College, also an Endowment grantee. After decades of selfless service, Jason’s wife encouraged him to finally do something for himself. He was matched with Hobbes, a service dog who completed more than 2,000 hours of training and now helps Jason regain independence while continuing to serve others.
When tools work better behind the scenes, every interaction in front of them becomes more meaningful, showing how a single community grant to strengthen infrastructure can ripple out into stronger services, more meaningful connections, and supporting New Hanover County Residents.
Learn More about Canine for Service’s Grant Awards from The Endowment.