Strategic Initiatives
Our Strategic Initiatives address societal issues closest to our hearts, often intersecting human and animal needs. We understand these issues are complicated, and consciously enter them through partnerships with specialized human service organizations to develop truly additive and collaborative programs. We don’t have all the answers to these complicated problems. We do, however, have the people, knowledge and will to help improve the lives of people and pets everywhere.
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
We believe that pets enrich people’s lives, and that everyone should have access to the joy of pets in their home. The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative was created to field research demonstrating the benefits of pet-friendly housing to owner/operators, residents, and communities. From this research, we develop resources and partnerships that seek to increase the availability of pet-friendly rental housing.
Better Neighbor Project
Michelson Found Animals believes that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has the right to the joy of pets.
Better Neighbor Project is our commitment to entering the partnerships and telling the stories that will help our brothers, sisters, and neighbors experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and across the US.
Compass Animal Health & Pet Care Summit
The Compass Animal Health and Pet Care Summit, produced by NAVC and Michelson Found Animals, is a cutting-edge global gathering at the forefront of animal health and pet care uniting industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors. The conference showcases leaders shaping the veterinary services sector and highlights how advancements can transform the industry for the benefit of consumers, pets, and practitioners.
Return to Home
Return-to-Home (RTH) is the process of returning a lost and found pet to its home, where it is safe with its owner. More often than not, stray animals are actually lost pets with families who miss them. This means that the first priority is to return the lost pet to its rightful home.
Philanthropic Investments
Money can’t solve all the world’s problems. When used strategically, however, it can create systems, opportunities and incentives for real solutions. This is why all of our Philanthropic Investments require more than a 1:1 return. We critically analyze and expect our investments to continuously grow, develop lasting impact, and help millions of people and pets for years to come.
Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology
In 2008, Found Animals launched the $75M Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology program to incentivize research and rapidly develop a single-dose, nonsurgical sterilant for cats and dogs. We envision a world in which this product is widely available, helping eliminate shelter euthanasia of healthy, adoptable companion animals and reduce populations of free-roaming cats and dogs.
To date, we have committed $15M in Michelson Grants to projects worldwide.
Michelson Found Animals Lifesaving Grants
We are committed to funding pet lifesaving by addressing two major sources of overpopulation in shelters: Spay/Neuter Access and Surrender Prevention. Our grants tackle both issues to make the greatest impact possible on reducing shelter euthanasia. We focus support towards organizations that serve areas with the greatest need, then work with our partners to ensure the funds and resources are used efficiently.
Fundraising Challenge
MFA’s Fundraising Challenges create an opportunity for animal welfare nonprofits to learn critical fundraising and donor base building skills that will help achieve their lifesaving goals. Since 2014, we have distributed over $1 Million in cash prizes, and together with over 600 participating organizations, we have raised nearly $9 Million for pets.
Leap Venture Studio
Leap Ventures is a partnership between Michelson Found Animals, Kinship — a division of Mars Petcare, and R/GA, and ignites growth across the pet care startup ecosystem. Representing the most innovative thinkers in pet care, Kinship and MFA recognize foster innovation and growth from the bottom-up.
Since 2018, Leap has partnered with 19 companies – all of which seek to create meaningful impact on pet wellness today.