2024 Award Application
Michigan Pet Alliance invites you to apply for a grant award … or get crazy and apply for all of them! Just please apply for them one at a time.
This year’s theme is Better Together. In the animal welfare field, we accomplish more when we work together. Collaboration saves more lives and leads to new ideas and innovation.
We want to hear about your successful partnerships, and we want to reward you for them.
Apply online by May 24, 2024.
The Better Together Awards and Grants program recognizes those who can demonstrate their ability to accomplish more and how their programs and operations are Better Together in the following categories:
Better Together Removing Barriers Award ($3,000 cash award)
Organizations that have implemented adoption, foster, sponsorship, and/or other programs, marketing strategies, procedures or services that result in reducing the length of stay for animals in their direct care and getting them into home environments are eligible for the Better Together Removing Barriers Award. Organizations should demonstrate how they work with community organizations and individuals, veterinarians, foster families, other animal welfare groups, and/or adopters to overcome barriers that result in extended length of stays. Barriers are anything that slows or prevents adoption opportunities or transfers to a foster home environment.
Better Together Creative Programs Award ($2,000 cash award)
Organizations that focus on new, innovative ideas to improve animal care, living conditions and quality of life for animals are eligible for the Better Together Creative Programs Award. Organizations should demonstrate the ability to assist, educate and advocate for the animals they serve and the people who love them. These organizations demonstrate passion and innovation in their programming, encouraging diversity and inclusion in their target audiences, and quality in all they do.
Better Together Fundraising Award ($2,000 cash award)
Organizations that are revolutionizing the idea of collaborative fundraising, setting a standard for other organizations and providing aid to Michigan’s pets as a result are eligible for the Better Together Fundraising Award. Organizations should demonstrate collaborative efforts with those in their own community without boundaries, judgment or discrimination in their fundraising projects.
Michigan Dogs and Cats Advancing Literacy Award ($2,000 cash reward)
The Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan and Michigan Pet Alliance joined forces to create an innovative award to advance literacy while benefiting homeless animals and communities. Organizations that implement creative and innovative programs to address advancing various aspects of literacy such as reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking while improving the welfare of homeless animals are eligible for the award. Organizations should demonstrate compassion and equity in their programs and the ability to assist, educate and advocate for the animals and communities they serve.
On-site Cat Training Grant ($1,000 grant value)
Do you feel your staff and volunteers have a good handle on dog care, training and enrichment in your shelter, but the cats have been slightly left behind? This is your opportunity to earn an in-person or virtual, hands-on training opportunity to benefit the felines in your care. Tell us about your current cat training and behavior program, how many cats you serve annually, why you need this training and what goals you currently have to improve your cat program. Students will be certified as a feline humane caregiver.
On-site Dog Training Grant ($1,000 grant value)
To keep the dogs in your care mentally healthy and happy, caregivers must be able to recognize when a dog is suffering from stress and anxiety and know how to minimize it and prevent it. Tell us about your current dog training and behavior program, how many dogs you serve annually, why you need this training and what goals you currently have to improve your dog program. Students will be certified as a canine humane caregiver.
Scentwork in a Shelter or Foster Home ($400 grant value)
Unfamiliar environments, like an animal shelter or foster home, can be overwhelming, which can exacerbate an already anxious dog and bring out undesirable behaviors. Tell us about your current dog training and enrichment program, how many dogs you serve annually, why you need this training and what goals you currently have to improve your dog enrichment program.
Karen Brocklehurst Volunteer of the Year Award
Nominate an individual who gives selflessly of their time volunteering in various aspects of animal welfare and who takes every opportunity to learn and know more. The award recipient will receive a $100 gift card and plaque. The nominee must be a current MPA member.
Eligibility
To be considered for the grant and training awards, organizations must meet one of the following criteria:
- Animal shelters must be licensed with MDARD
- Home-based rescue and community outreach organizations must be based in Michigan, designated 501(c)3 nonprofits and registered with the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section
Animal Control Officer of the Year ($500 cash award)
The work performed by animal control officers demands strength, compassion and diligence, and their efforts and achievements should be celebrated. Nominate an animal control officer who tirelessly serves animals and their people by connecting with the community, collaborating with agencies and organizations, communicating effectively with a diverse population, and creatively diverting animals from entering the shelter.
Eligibility
To be considered for the award, individuals must serve in the state of Michigan and have a current certification.