Animal Welfare Fund Grants (Animal Shelter Grants)

Goal/purpose: The Animal Welfare Fund provides grants to Michigan registered animal shelters to increase sterilization and adoption of dogs and cats, improve public knowledge of proper animal care, train personnel authorized to enforce state anti-cruelty laws, and support the care and protection of animals including those seized in cruelty and hoarding cases. Funds can cover equipment, supplies, and services within approved program areas. Additional eligibility: Applicants must operate a shelter registered with MDARD under Public Act 287 of 1969, be in good standing, have submitted the prior year Annual Shelter Activity Report (AI-034), and comply with the Animal Welfare Fund Act. Prior grantees found noncompliant are ineligible. Grants cannot supplant existing funds. Awardees must be registered in the State of Michigan SIGMA Vendor Self Service system to receive payments. Project eligibility: Four program areas are eligible per the application: (A) Spay/Neuter Surgical Programs (to sterilize shelter animals prior to adoption; no ancillary procedures like vaccination, microchipping, or testing); (B) Public Education Programs on sterilization/adoption and proper animal care; (C) Training for Authorized Personnel who enforce anti-cruelty laws (no travel, lodging, or meals; MDARD must approve training events, agendas, and speakers); and (D) Care and Protection Programs that cover costs of care for animals housed for violations of state anti-cruelty laws or to support proper care and protection efforts. Application process: The annual grant cycle runs February 1 to September 1; applications for the following cycle must be received by October 15 of the prior year. Applicants submit the Animal Welfare Fund Grant Application with required narratives, quotes, and budget details to animalshelters@michigan.gov (one application per program; additional applications may be submitted for additional programs). Awards are made competitively based on program priorities and proposal merit, and reimbursements are issued for eligible costs within the funding window.