What's happening: The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Animal Welfare Fund grants. Benefiting directly from the funding will be the Delta Animal Shelter in Escanaba and the Ontonagon County Animal Shelter. Some $150,000 will be distributed to 28 registered animal shelters across Michigan to support animal welfare projects.
What is the fund: The Michigan Animal Welfare Fund provides financial support to registered animal shelters across the state for various welfare-related projects. The grants are often used to improve shelter facilities, enhance animal care, promote adoptions, provide veterinary services and support spay and neuter initiatives.
Funding for the grants comes from contributions made by residents who select the “Animal Welfare Fund” option on their annual state tax returns, so the funding is completely voluntary.
What they're saying: “MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland. “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's next: Local shelters will start enacting their various plans, hoping to connect more shelter animals with their forever homes. Programs will be able to apply for the Animal Welfare Fund grants next year, including the 37 shelters that were not awarded funding for projects this cycle.
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