The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation is a leading animal welfare non-profit operating foundation based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Gary Michelson (an orthopedic spinal surgeon and inventor of surgical instruments and medical implants) and Alya Michelson, the organization champions pets at every point they intersect with society. The foundation has helped more than 8 million pets since its establishment and operates with more than $100 million committed to animal welfare.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.2M
+5.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.0M
+40.1% YoY
Grant Count
66
-4.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$30K
+46.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Michelson Found Animals Foundation believes people and pets are better together. The organization operates a range of programs including community partnerships, catalytic grants, impact investments, and education and advocacy initiatives with the common goal of championing pets at every point they intersect with our society.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Spay and Neuter Initiative – Supports research into the development of a single-dose sterilant as an alternative to traditional spay/neuter surgeries; funds low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and surrender prevention services to decrease the number of animals entering the shelter system
- Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative – Researches public policies related to pets and supports pet-inclusive housing initiatives
- Better Neighbor Project – Hosts pet wellness events in underserved communities and provides job training
- Community Programs – Delivers innovative community-based adoption, spay/neuter, and pet ID programs; operates adopt & shop, a retail store and pet adoption center in Culver City, California
- Philanthropic Investments – Provides catalytic grants and impact investments to advance animal welfare
The organization's work focuses on reducing shelter euthanasia in Los Angeles and across the country, with emphasis on addressing the 3-4 million animals euthanized annually in the United States.
Grantmaking
How to Apply
** The foundation accepts applications for its various grant programs through Strategic Initiatives and Philanthropic Investments. Guidelines and due dates vary significantly by program; applicants are advised to consult the appropriate program page prior to submitting requests. Work must be laser-focused on the foundation's mission to be competitive.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation gives nationally, with California and Texas appearing as geographic priority areas. The organization has particular focus on Los Angeles and surrounding communities, though it supports animal welfare work across the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2023):
- Total Assets: $14,432,052
- Total Revenue: $6,077,118
- Total Expenses: $7,740,700
- Total Liabilities: $1,490,000
Staff: 13 employees
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since January 2007; EIN: 20-3944602
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $15,166,576 | $14,432,052 | $14,602,146 |
| Revenue | $10,291,050 | $6,077,118 | $11,925,822 |
| Expenses | $10,995,449 | $7,740,700 | $10,736,753 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $10,584,277 | $5,996,444 | $12,475,469 |
| Net Investment Income | $198,222 | $192,813 | $2,035,670 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Community Animal Medicine Project ($750,000), Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Inc ($289,701), Animal Balance ($108,644).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alamo Area Partners for Animal Welfare San Antonio, TX | Pet-Inclusive Housing Support | $1,000 |
| Angel City Pit Bulls Los Angeles, CA | Pet Rescue & Care & Spay/Neuter | $7,500 |
| Animal Balance San Francisco, CA | Spay/Neuter | $108,644 |
| Animal Crisis Community Operational Readiness Netw Chico, CA | Animal Welfare | $10,000 |
| Animal Humane New Mexico Albuquerque, NM | Pet-Inclusive Housing Support | $2,850 |
| Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Alexandria, VA | Pet Rescue & Care | $5,000 |
| Arkansas State Animal Control Association Little Rock, AR | Animal Welfare | $600 |
| ASPCA New York City, NY | Animal Welfare | $75 |
| Better Together Animal Alliance Ponderay, ID | Pet-Inclusive Housing Support | $15,000 |
| Bitter Root Humane Association Inc Hamilton, MT | Pet Rescue & Care | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
CEO: Brett Yates
The organization is generously funded by Dr. Gary Michelson and Alya Michelson.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARY KARLIN MICHELSON MD | PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAVID COHEN | Secretary/Tresurer | — | — |
| BRETT YATES | CEO/ CFO | 30 | $248,795 |
| Alya Michelson | Co-Chair | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation continues to expand its impact through strategic initiatives and partnerships. Recent activities include:
Through a Hybrid of Ongoing Grants and New Initiatives, MFA\u2019s Spay\Awarding significant grants to support spay/neuter programs and animal welfare organizations
$500,000 In Grants Awarded To 107 Animal Organizations For Reducing BarriersExpanding community-based programs in response to crises affecting pet owners (including ICE raids, wildfires, and economic challenges in Los Angeles)
Operating the Found Animals Registry, which was purchased by 24Petwatch, North America's largest microchip registry
Michelson Found Animals Foundation Awards Historic $1 Million Grant to CAMPPartnering with organizations like Best Friends Animal Society through the NKLA Coalition to increase lifesaving efforts in Los Angeles and across the country
$500,000 In Grants Awarded To 107 Animal Organizations For Reducing BarriersContinuing research and development initiatives focused on reproductive biology and animal welfare innovation
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc fund?
**Mission:** Michelson Found Animals Foundation believes people and pets are better together. The organization operates a range of programs including community partnerships, catalytic grants, impact investments, and education and advocacy initiatives with the common goal of championing pets at every point they intersect with our society. **Primary Focus Areas:** • **Spay and Neuter Initiative** – Supports research into the development of a single-dose sterilant as an alternative to traditional …
How do I apply for a grant from The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $75,000 to $750,000. **Recent Grant Activity:** • Awarded a historic $1 million grant to CAMP Clinics on World Spay Day • Distributed $500,000 in grants to 107 animal organizations for reducing barriers • Awarded $1 million to tackle Los Angeles's pet crisis **Application Process:** The foundation accepts applications for its various grant programs through Strategic Initiatives and Philanthropic Investments. Guidelines and due dates vary significantl…
Where does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation gives nationally, with California and Texas appearing as geographic priority areas. The organization has particular focus on Los Angeles and surrounding communities, though it supports animal welfare work across the United States.
What size grants does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc awarded 66 grants totaling $2.0M — an average of about $30K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-3944602. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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