Apply for an Animal Welfare Grant

Due to the COVID19 crisis, MHS has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the grant program through the end of 2020. We look forward to possibly reopening the program in 2021. In the meantime, we wish our animal welfare community the best of health.

The Michigan Humane Society is grateful for the many animal welfare and rescue organizations in our region that work hard every day to save lives and meet the needs of animals at risk. We all share the same goal. Working together will provide more animals the chance to live out their lives with people who will care for them.

We invite animal welfare agencies to become our partners and join our network to share our resources and expertise. In that spirit, we’re introducing a new program and invite agencies to apply for animal welfare grants for items, services, or cash on a quarterly or emergency basis by completing the grant form below.

FAQ

What type of agencies can apply for a grant?

Any animal protection shelter, animal control shelter, or rescue operating in the state of Michigan. A spay/neuter and vaccination policy is required.

Does my agency need to be registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) to apply for a grant?

Yes, if you operate a facility. Any organization that houses animals in a bricks-and-mortar facility must be registered with MDARD as an animal protection shelter or an animal control shelter. If you are not currently registered but wish to pursue registration, we can help connect you to MDARD and prepare for the inspection. Currently, if you do not operate a facility and care for animals in foster homes only, you do not need to be registered with MDARD.

Does my agency need to be a 501c3 nonprofit to apply for a grant?

No. If you’re interested in becoming a 501c3, we can help direct you to the necessary resources.

What or how much can I apply for?

MHS is accepts grant requests up to $1,000. Examples of acceptable grant requests include but are not limited to:

• Community outreach items: doghouses, leashes, food, straw, etc.
• Veterinary services: sterilizations, vaccinations, and other preventative procedures
• Infrastructure and facility repairs: cages, equipment, furnace repair, etc.
• Education and training: veterinary, operational, law enforcement, etc.

Things like mortgage, salaries, rent, or utility payments are not likely to be approved.

In addition, we welcome applications/requests to address a variety of operational needs, such as:

• Law enforcement support/response for large scale incidents of cruelty, neglect, and disaster response
• Expert consultation on services in the field, shelter, and community
• Program and process evaluation of shelter operations

When can I apply?

MHS welcomes quarterly grant requests by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Applicants will hear the status of their requests within four weeks of the deadline date. Grants will be awarded based on the requests and MHS’ ability to meet them.

Organizations with an immediate need can submit an application at any time, specifying the need is urgent. These applications will be considered within the week. Any risk to life or quality of care is considered an emergency need and might include things such as:

• A broken furnace or window in a building that houses animals.
• Emergency medical services for broken bones, severe wounds and serious illnesses.
• Crates or items needed for a large-scale acquisition that has just happened or is about to happen.

If I have questions, who can I call?

Email dscola@michiganhumane.org or call the MHS Call Center at 866-MHUMANE.