LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has disclosed the recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants.
This year, thanks to the support of Michigan residents who select the “Animal Welfare Fund” option on their annual state tax returns, MDARD will disburse $150,000 to 22 registered animal shelters across the state and contribute to various animal welfare initiatives.
More animal shelters applying for grant money every year.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM says, “Over the past few years, MDARD has seen a steady increase in not only the number of shelters applying for Animal Welfare Fund grants but also in the amount of funds being requested.”
Wineland continues, “The grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. As Michiganders prepare their state tax returns, please check the box for the fund to continue generously supporting animals awaiting their fur-ever home.”
What is the money used for?
Every contribution made to the Animal Welfare Fund goes directly to registered Michigan animal shelters, aiding them in better caring for local animals and supporting their broader community. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.9 million to more than 305 animal shelters.
According to statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan is home to approximately 2.6 million dogs and 1.8 million cats. Some reside in one of Michigan’s 209 registered animal shelters, awaiting adoption as beloved pets.
Grants from Michigan’s Animal Welfare Fund assist shelters by funding spay/neuter programs, educating the public on proper animal care, training staff, and maintaining animal health throughout local communities.
Collectively, these efforts help shelters in adopting out more animals and promoting animal health and welfare in their communities. All of this is made possible by charitable Michiganders checking the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns.
What kind of programs are supported?
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For the current grant cycle, MDARD received 66 applications from organizations across the state, with requests totaling more than $600,000. Some of the innovative projects selected this year include:
- Supporting training programs for animal control officers to enhance their ability to provide community support and conduct welfare investigations.
- Expanding pet retention initiatives by supplying microchips for shelter and owned animals.
- Facilitating access to microchip scanners across the community.
- Increasing spay and neuter opportunities for underserved communities.
Which communities received the 2024 grant funds?
The following animal shelter organizations are recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants:
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- Best Pals Animal Rescue – $3,000
- Calhoun County Animal Shelter – $10,000
- City of Romulus Animal Control – $4,000
- City of Taylor Animal Shelter – $8,000
- Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit – $7,000
- Gratiot County Animal Control – $13,000
- Greater Hillsdale Humane Society – $5,000
- Harbor Humane Society – $6,000
- Help Orphaned Pets Everywhere (HOPE) Animal Shelter – $10,000
- Ionia County Animal Control – $5,000
- Kalamazoo County Animal Services – $5,000
- Lake County Animal Control – $8,000
- Lapeer County Animal Control – $6,000
- Luce County Animal Shelter – $4,000
- McCloud’s Lake Haven – $2,000
- Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society – $10,000
- Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers – $10,000
- Michigan Humane – $3,000
- POET Animal Rescue – $5,000
- Pound Buddies – $10,000
- Roscommon County Animal Control – $6,000
- Saved By Zade – $10,000
The generosity of Michigan taxpayers makes the beneficial projects, programs, and services provided by these shelters possible. If interested in donating tax dollars to the project, check the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule on your state tax returns. For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute, click here.
