Rain Jordan of Expert Canine, with Dahlia.

Let’s talk money.

An animal welfare charity for which I’m the education director offers a variety of programs to help companion animals and their humans live more happily and comfortably together.

As we’ve been looking for new funding in order to expand these programs to more people in need, whether due to reduced income or other challenges, we’ve discovered that the philanthropic funding of nonprofits for animal welfare has taken a huge downward turn.

Even some of the biggest animal welfare funders are announcing that they have ceased grant making or put it on hold — including one of our biggest funders.

While I have my guesses, there isn’t much publicized in the way of explanation as to why grant opportunities are dwindling. I’m sure our programs are just a few of many thousands that are at risk as a result, and really, asking why isn’t going to help.

It is more important to focus on how the public can do something about it. If we want accessible public service programs that help everyone, and there isn’t enough funding for them, the options are few.

One possibility might be that some charities would have to close their doors.

Some charity programs might be replaced by people and companies in the for-profit sector, where, of course, profit is king. I’m not saying it’s wrong to make a profit.

But letting charity programs drift into the realm of the for-profit sector would put a lot of disadvantaged people and their beloved pets at even further disadvantage. If a charity program that is offered to the public for $50 — even though it’s worth $500 or $1,000 — goes to the for-profit sector, it won’t be $50 anymore. That’s going to leave a lot of people out.

Another possibility is that some public service programs currently free or inexpensive would have to start charging closer to market rates in order to remain available. In other words, free charity programs would have to fund themselves by charging the public, and affordable charity programs would have to charge the public more.

Would you approve of a tax increase to pay for humane charity programs that help companion animals and their humans in need resolve the concerns between them, helping to keep them together, with both dog and owner safe, happy and well?

If you would, that’s great. Not because it’s happening — it isn’t. But because your theoretical willingness to pay such a tax can be transformed into practical philanthropy, which by the way makes you feel good, unlike paying taxes.

Seek out charities that provide these programs, and send them a donation. Maybe even sign up for a monthly philanthropic commitment to your chosen charity, to help ensure these important programs survive.

If you own a business or know others who do, ask them to increase their philanthropic activities for needy animals and their caregivers by sponsoring a local companion animal welfare charity that focuses on providing truly humane training and education.

One that teaches dog owners “how to fish,” so their beloved companions get to stay right there with them, in their happier than ever homes.