MDARD Distributes $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund Grants to West Michigan Shelters, Including $6,200 to Muskegon County Humane Society

State Funding Reaches West Michigan Animal Shelters Through Volunteer-Directed Animal Welfare Fund

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today the distribution of $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund grants to 24 registered animal shelters throughout the state, with several West Michigan shelters among the recipients.

The grants, made possible by Michiganders who voluntarily contribute to the Animal Welfare Fund through their state tax returns, provide critical funding for animal shelters to expand their services and improve animal welfare across the region.

West Michigan Grant Recipients

In West Michigan, the Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County received a $6,200 grant to support their ongoing animal welfare initiatives. This funding will help the organization expand its capacity to provide essential services to homeless animals in the region.

Northern Michigan also saw grants distributed, with the Manistee County Animal Shelter receiving $2,700 to support their animal care programs.

Focus on Spay and Neuter Services

According to State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM, over 85% of the projects funded this year involved increasing a shelter's capacity to provide spay and neuter services. These programs are critical for reducing the number of animals entering shelters and improving overall animal population health.

"These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan's animals and the people who care for them," said State Veterinarian Wineland. "We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home."

Innovative Projects and Community Impact

The funded projects extend beyond traditional shelter services. Selected projects include:

• Increasing animal vaccination opportunities in underserved communities around the state
• Supporting costs for spay and neuter services at a registered shelter just for rabbits
• Expanding pet retention initiatives by providing access to microchips and microchip scanners

These initiatives collectively help shelters adopt out more animals and promote animal health and welfare in their communities.

How the Fund Works

Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund is a voluntary program where taxpayers check the "Animal Welfare Fund" box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, when filing their state tax returns. One hundred percent of the contributions made to the fund goes directly to registered Michigan animal shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community.

Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $2.1 million to over 357 animal shelters through this fund. The generosity of Michigan taxpayers makes the beneficial projects, programs, and services provided by registered shelters across the state possible.

Application Process and Eligibility

Grant recipients are selected based on their ability to demonstrate positive impact for local animal communities. Shelters must be registered with MDARD and demonstrate how their projects will improve animal welfare in their region.

The grant distribution process ensures that funding reaches shelters throughout Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula to West Michigan's major metro areas including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon.

Continued Support for Animal Welfare

As animal shelter needs continue to grow across Michigan, the Animal Welfare Fund remains a critical resource for registered shelters. The fund's volunteer-based model ensures sustained support without relying solely on state budget allocations.

The Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County will use their $6,200 grant to expand their spay and neuter programs and improve their ability to care for homeless animals in the region. This investment directly benefits the animals and pet owners in West Michigan communities.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund, how to contribute, and stories from past grant recipients, interested parties can visit MDARD's Animal Welfare Fund page.