Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, $150,000 will be distributed to 28 registered animal shelters across Michigan. These funds are collected from Michiganders who choose to contribute by checking the "Animal Welfare Fund" box on their state tax returns.

State Veterinarian Nora Wineland stated, “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.” She encouraged residents to continue supporting animals awaiting homes by contributing through their tax returns.

All contributions to the fund go directly to registered shelters, helping them care for local animals and support community needs. Since 2010, MDARD has provided over $2 million to more than 333 shelters.

The grants aid in financing spay/neuter programs, educating about proper animal care, training staff, and maintaining animal health. This year’s grant cycle saw 65 applications requesting over $710,000. Selected projects include adoption events with mobile trailers, education on preventing animal mistreatment, access to microchip scanners for pet retention initiatives, and expanding spay/neuter services.

Recipients include organizations such as Alcona Humane Society ($8,000), Detroit Animal Care & Control ($8,000), Gratiot County Animal Control Shelter ($8,400), Kent County Animal Shelter ($8,000), among others.

Michigan taxpayers' generosity enables these shelters' programs and services. To continue supporting these efforts for local animals' welfare and care improvement, taxpayers are encouraged to check the Animal Welfare Fund's box on Form 4642 during their state tax return filing.

For more information on how to contribute or learn about the fund's impact, visit michigan.gov/animalwelfarefund.