The Rhode Island Foundation has announced that it has awarded grants to the Mystic Aquarium and two Westerly organizations to help fund their work with animals.

The foundation’s Program for Animal Welfare funds organizations that promote and provide humane treatment of animals or work on the welfare of animals. Grants are for projects or programs that impact animal care, education about the humane treatment of animals and animal welfare.

The aquarium received $16,000 to support its work of rescuing and rehabilitating injured or sick marine mammals and sea turtles. More than half the calls the aquarium responds to each year come from Rhode Island.

“Every year dozens of these animals end up on stranded on our shores due to sickness, debilitation, malnutrition or dehydration due to pollution and lack of food, among other causes. They would be unable to return to the ocean environment without our help,” said aquarium President and CEO Stephen M. Coan.

Stand Up for Animals of Westerly received $24,000 to provide veterinary assistance and medications and make improvements to is facility so it will be warmer in the winter and be able to provide more space for the cats in its care. The organization estimates the grant will enable it to treat approximately 600 dogs and cats.

The Westerly Animal Shelter received $6,450 to purchase microchips, veterinary supplies, raised cat beds, dog leads, live animal traps for rescue and humane education summer camp supplies.