Attorneys for Animals takes special interest in the Animal Welfare Fund. From 2015-17, under a grant from The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust, we worked to spread the word to both Michigan taxpayers and the state’s brick and mortar shelters about these grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. MDARD’s press release for the grants to be awarded in 2019 is below. More information about the fund and AFA’s work is available here.
“Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1,222,000 to 168 local animal shelters. One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund are used for Michigan animal welfare programs.”
“An elementary school program to teach children about the physical and mental health of animals is among the innovative projects chosen this year”
MDARD's press release:
“Animal Shelters, Homeless Pets Get Boost from MDARD Grants
Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development
For Immediate Release: December 21, 2018
Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, MDARD will distribute $80,000 to 16 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support the spaying and neutering of shelter dogs and cats to help them be more adoptable. Grants also help support many anti-cruelty and proper care programs and training around the state. Registered shelters can also receive assistance through the grant program for the unrecovered costs of care for animals involved in legal investigations.
The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by generous Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule with their state tax returns. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1,222,000 to 168 local animal shelters. One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund are used for Michigan animal welfare programs.
“Throughout Michigan, small towns and big cities alike struggle to find resources they need to provide care to the animals they rescue,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “What is unique about the Animal Welfare Fund is that every penny we collect goes directly to the programs that protect and provide care for neglected animals or homeless dogs and cats in our state—which ultimately helps get them into a safe place.”
This year, MDARD received 34 applications totaling more than $225,156 in requests.
Some of the innovative projects chosen this year included the following:
- New animal handling equipment that reduces stress on the animals while keeping animal rescuers safe.
- An elementary school program to teach children about the physical and mental health of animals.
- Training for local animal control officers and law enforcement personnel including Michigan’s animal laws, safe capture and handling of animals, capacity for care, and investigating animal cruelty.
The following animal shelter organizations were awarded 2018 Animal Welfare Fund grants:
Bay County Animal Control Shelter $ 3,000
Berrien County Animal Control Shelter $ 4,100
Delta Animal Shelter $ 6,555
Detroit Dog Rescue $ 10,000
Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue $ 5,170
Humane Society of Genesee County $ 2,490
Gladwin County Animal Control Shelter $ 3,625
Humane Society of West Michigan $ 1,500
Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement $ 5,000
Kalkaska County Animal Shelter $ 4,500
Lapeer County Animal Shelter $ 10,000
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society $ 740
Macomb County Animal Shelter $ 3,000
The Michigan Humane Society $ 9,600
Newago County Animal Shelter $ 720
Roscommon County Animal Control $ 10,000
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