Every year, Michigan Pet Alliance offers grants and awards of up to $10,000 to shelters and nonprofit organizations that support impactful programs serving animals and the people who care for them across the state of Michigan. This year’s theme is Next Level. Some awards allow nominations.
Categories include:
Next Level Innovation in Animal Welfare ($3,000 grant award)
Presented to an organization that demonstrates forward-thinking ideas and creative solutions to improve the lives of animals and strengthen animal welfare practices. This award recognizes innovation that drives meaningful progress in pet retention, progressive adoption practice, or access to veterinary care through programs, partnerships or lifesaving initiatives that create lasting positive change for animals and the community.
Eligible funding options include, but are not limited to, programs focused on intake diversion, conversation-based adoptions, spay/neuter assistance, medical care assistance, enrichment for animals or quality of life improvements in shelter. Please provide all supporting data, such as an increase in adoption numbers, decrease in intake, increase in return to owner, change in number of people/animals served, etc., and share examples of success stories.
Next Level Community Impact ($2,000 grant award)
Presented to an organization whose dedication and service have made a significant and lasting impact on the community and the animals within it. This award honors those who build connections through humane education, inspire involvement through volunteering, and strengthen community support through advocacy, outreach and collaboration.
Eligible funding options include, but are not limited to, programs focused on school projects, corporate volunteers, business partnerships or humane education. Please provide supporting data, such as number of humane education sessions/camps, number of children served, etc., and share examples of success stories. A new program may be considered when submitted with supporting data.
Next Level Compassion in Action ($2,000 grant award)
Presented to an organization that consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, empathy and dedication to the care and treatment of animals and people alike. This award recognizes those who lead with kindness, integrity and a commitment to make a difference in their community and beyond through everyday actions that embody the heart of animal welfare.
Eligible funding options include, but are not limited to, programs focused on return to owner (RTO), RTO in the field, emergency fosters, emergency medical care assistance, behavior assistance, hospice programs or collaboration with human service organizations. Please provide supporting data, such as number of animals reunited, number of people served, etc., and share examples of success stories.
Scentwork in a Shelter or Foster Home ($400 grant value)
Boost your enrichment and training programs by learning how to incorporate scentwork. If you don’t have a dog behavior program, scentwork is a great way to create one. Scentwork helps dogs reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a great outlet for reactive dogs, too. 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.
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.
Joel Penny Volunteer of the Year Award ($100 gift card award)
In memory of Joel Penny, this award honors 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. Nominate a volunteer who exemplifies these characteristics for the betterment of animals in Michigan.
Eligibility
To be considered for the above grant and training awards, organizations must meet one of the following criteria:
- Animal shelters must be licensed with MDARD
- Home-based rescues 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
- ACOs must serve in the state of Michigan and have a current certification.
Awards and grants will be presented to winners at the 2026 One Voice: Michigan Pet Alliance Conference & Expo in Macomb County in October.
Deadline to apply: July 31, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET