The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Los Angeles, California. It supports animal welfare through grants and other programs focused on pets and the people who care for them, including work related to veterinary care, spay and neuter access, pet-inclusive housing, and research.
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc gave $2.0M across 66 grants in 2024 (avg $30K), mostly in California. 47% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,966,426
- +40.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 66
- -4.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $29,794
- +46.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $15,166,576
- +5.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 47% first-time grantees (30 of 64, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (73% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 3000 S Robertson Blvd Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: (310) 806-9700
Website: https://foundanimals.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community Animal Medicine Project ($750K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($2,301), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
605 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 560 grants of 605 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, California recipients received 73% of grant dollars, Maryland recipients 15%, and recipients in New York, Montana, and Washington, DC, received 2% each. The listed grants also show support for work in Los Angeles-area communities and for organizations elsewhere.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 66 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
47%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 30 of 64 grantees (47%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $48K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $17K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2023) to $2.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 66 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Animal Medicine Project San Pedro, CA | Spay/Neuter | $750,000 |
| Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Inc Baltimore, MD | Animal Welfare | $289,701 |
| Animal Balance San Francisco, CA | Spay/Neuter | $108,644 |
| The Little Lion Foundation Long Beach, CA | Pet Welfare | $53,000 |
| The PAW Mission Inc Yucaipa, CA | Working Cat Program / Spay/Neuter | $51,000 |
| Downtown Dog Rescue South Gate, CA | Spay/Neuter | $50,000 |
| FixNation Inc Woodland Hills, CA | Spay/Neuter | $50,000 |
| Stray Paws Animal Haven South El Monte, CA | Spay/Neuter | $50,000 |
| Pacific Coast Dog Rescue Inc Burbank, CA | Pet Rescue & Care | $36,000 |
| STAND Foundation Inc Sherman Oaks, CA | Spay/Neuter | $32,801 |
Ready to take the next step with The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $15,166,576 | $10,291,050 | $10,995,449 | $1,966,426 | 66 | $10,584,277 | $198,222 |
| 2023 | $14,432,052 | $6,077,118 | $7,740,700 | $1,403,552 | 69 | $5,996,444 | $192,813 |
| 2022 | $14,602,146 | $11,925,822 | $10,736,753 | $1,829,279 | 107 | $12,475,469 | $2,035,670 |
| 2021 | $12,660,267 | $13,521,523 | $12,807,037 | $1,503,513 | 186 | $12,920,369 | $2,594,533 |
| 2020 | $12,687,965 | $11,946,650 | $12,313,221 | $1,509,607 | 177 | — | $60,585 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s programs address animal welfare and issues where human and animal needs intersect. Its stated activities include supporting pet-inclusive housing initiatives, community pet wellness events and job training, and research into a single-dose sterilant for cats and dogs. Its Strategic Grants program supports initiatives intended to make a lasting impact on pets and the people who love them.
Examples of organizations supported in 2024 illustrate a range of work. Community Animal Medicine Project says its mission is to reduce shelter euthanasia and intake by providing high-quality, low-cost veterinary services to underserved Los Angeles communities. Animal Balance describes its work as collaborating with communities in need on sustainable, humane animal-management programs. FixNation says it works to reduce the homeless cat population through sterilization and Trap-Neuter-Return. The Human Animal Bond Research Foundation says it advances the role of companion animals in individual, family, and community well-being through science, education, and advocacy.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 66 grants totaling $1,966,426. Grant amounts ranged from $75 to $750,000, with a median of $5,000.
The largest reported grants included $750,000 to Community Animal Medicine Project for spay/neuter and $289,701 to Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity for animal welfare. Other substantial grants included $108,644 to Animal Balance for spay/neuter; $53,000 to The Little Lion Foundation for pet welfare; and $51,000 to The PAW Mission for its Working Cat Program and spay/neuter. Downtown Dog Rescue, FixNation, and Stray Paws Animal Haven each received $50,000 for spay/neuter-related work.
The foundation also describes an accelerator that provides seed funding, mentorship, and operational training to organizations developing spay-and-neuter clinic models in high-need Los Angeles communities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Gary Karlin Michelson, MD, as President/Director; David Cohen as Secretary/Treasurer; Brett Yates as CEO/CFO; and Alya Michelson as Co-Chair. The foundation’s website identifies Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson as founders and co-chairs.
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc is led by Brett Yates, CEO & CFO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 4 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brett Yates
CEO & CFO
Executive Director → CEO, 2021
CEO → CEO & CFO, 2023
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$197K (2020) → $249K (2024)
Gary Karlin Michelson MD
President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Cohen
Secretary & Tresurer
Secretary & CFO → Secretary & Tresurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Alya Michelson
Co-Chair
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Aimee Gilbreath (2020–2021) — Vice President & Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $249K, to Brett Yates (CEO/ CFO).
Frequently asked questions about The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc
How much does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc give each year?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc gave $2.0M across 66 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 69 grants.
What is The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $29,794, across 66 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc that year got $11K on average.
Where does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc give grants?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc gives mostly in California: 73% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Maryland (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Los Angeles, CA (6 grants), Washington, DC (2 grants), Tucson, AZ (2 grants) and North Hollywood, CA (2 grants).
Does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 66 grants with a stated purpose on The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Pet Rescue & Care" (19 grants), "Spay/Neuter" (11 grants) and "Animal Welfare" (11 grants).
Who are The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Community Animal Medicine Project ($750,000), Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity Inc ($289,701) and Animal Balance ($108,644), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($2,301), which are not listed by name. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc?
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc reported $15.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $10.3M.
What does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s programs address animal welfare and issues where human and animal needs intersect. Its stated activities include supporting pet-inclusive housing initiatives, community pet wellness events and job training, and research into a single-dose sterilant for cats and dogs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
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.
Does The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Petco Love
San Antonio, TX
Petco Love funds animal-welfare organizations working on adoption, shelter-pet lifesaving, veterinary care, spay/neuter, emergency treatment, and reuniting lost pets with families, with grantmaking nationwide. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,004 to $1,501,620, with a median of $13,370. It accepts applications for some opportunities through its Partner Portal during designated windows; some cycles are invitation-only.
Assets
$25.1M
Grants
784
Total Given
$21.2M
Petsmart Charities Inc
Phoenix, AZ
PetSmart Charities funds programs that improve companion animals’ well-being, including adoption, veterinary care, pet food assistance, and disaster response, in the U.S. and Canada. Its median grant is $15,000; the profile states that disaster-response requests are open to eligible animal welfare and human service organizations, while its veterinary-care Accelerator grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$96.8M
Grants
655
Total Given
$48.1M
The Duffield Family Foundation
Pleasanton, CA
The Duffield Family Foundation funds U.S. animal-well-being work focused on dogs and cats, including veterinary access, shelter medicine, foster care, research, education, and collaboration; its grants span multiple states, with California receiving the largest share. In 2025, grants ranged from $500 to $1,466,000, with a median of $3,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation or through announced funding opportunities.
Assets
$277.6M
Grants
181
Total Given
$14.0M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-michelson-found-animals-foundation-inc-morg_ca7a3c022649425b817a7c0737ef115e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_203944602_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-michelson-found-animals-foundation-inc-morg_ca7a3c022649425b817a7c0737ef115e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?