Animal Welfare Fund Grants (Animal Shelter Grants)

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Animal Industry Division offers Animal Welfare Fund Grants pursuant to Public Act 132 of 2007 (the Animal Welfare Fund Act, MCL 287.993). The primary purpose of the fund is to support registered Michigan animal shelters in promoting the sterilization and adoption of dogs and cats, educating the public on proper animal care pursuant to state animal anticruelty laws, providing training for personnel authorized to enforce animal anticruelty laws, and supporting programs providing care and protection for animals housed due to anticruelty law violations.

Funding is available exclusively to organizations operating animal shelters currently registered with MDARD under Public Act 287 of 1969, as amended, categorized as either government/municipal entities or nonprofits. Applicants must have submitted their prior year Animal Shelter Activity Report (Form AI-034) and remain in full compliance with state shelter regulations. Grant funds cannot be used to replace or supplant existing funds already included in an organization's budget for similar programs before receiving the grant.

Projects must fall under one of four designated program categories: (A) Spay/Neuter Surgical Program to increase on-site sterilization or facilitate veterinary appointments for shelter dogs and cats awaiting adoption (excluding privately-owned animals, out-of-state imported shelter animals, and ancillary procedures like vaccinations or microchipping); (B) Public Education Program to improve community knowledge of the value of sterilization, adoption, and proper care; (C) Training for Authorized Personnel Program to train law enforcement and animal control officers authorized to enforce anticruelty laws (excluding travel, lodging, and meal costs); or (D) Care and Protection Program to cover care costs for animals housed due to anticruelty violations (unless court sentencing provides full restitution). Funding may cover equipment, supplies, or services.

Applications must be submitted via email to animalshelters@michigan.gov by October 15 of the year prior to the grant cycle. Applicants applying for multiple categories must submit separate applications for each program. A complete submission includes the application form, project summary, measurable objectives, implementation approach, outreach and evaluation plan, and a detailed budget summary accompanied by vendor quotes. Applications for education or training programs must also include draft content and deliverable quotes. Funded activities must occur during the February 1 through September 1 grant window to qualify for reimbursement.