The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, owing to the generosity of Michiganders who check the “Animal Welfare Fund” box on their annual state tax returns, MDARD is distributing $150,000 to 22 registered animal shelters throughout the state. These funds aim to support various animal welfare projects.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland highlighted the positive impact of these grants on Michigan's animals and the people caring for them. The grants, funded entirely by contributions to the Animal Welfare Fund, have seen increased demand over the years. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed over $1.9 million to support more than 305 animal shelters.
Michigan is home to around 2.6 million dogs and 1.8 million cats, with many residing in one of the state's 209 registered animal shelters, awaiting adoption into loving homes.
The grants contribute to spay/neuter programs, educational initiatives on proper animal care, staff training, and maintaining animal health in local communities. Charitable Michiganders play a crucial role by checking the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns.
This year's grant cycle saw MDARD receive 66 applications totaling over $600,000 in requests from organizations statewide. Some of the innovative projects selected for funding include:
- Training programs for animal control officers: Enhancing their ability to provide community support and conduct welfare investigations.
- Pet retention initiatives: Supplying microchips for shelter and owned animals, along with facilitating access to microchip scanners across the community.
- Increased spay and neuter opportunities: Focusing on underserved communities.
Recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants include a diverse group of animal shelter organizations, each receiving funding for specific projects.
The MDARD encourages Michigan taxpayers to continue supporting these beneficial projects by checking the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns. For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute, please visit michigan.gov/animalwelfarefund.
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Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy