Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2021 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, MDARD will distribute $137,144 to 24 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support various animal welfare projects. The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by generous Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule on their state tax returns. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.4 million to over 213 local animal shelters. 100% of the contributions made to this fund go directly to these shelters to support efforts that increase sterilization rates among dogs and cats prior to adoption, provide anti-cruelty training for animal law enforcement agencies, offer proper animal care programs to the public, and assist shelters with the unreimbursed costs of care for animals involved in legal investigations.