The Lupa Animal Wellness Fund, managed by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, is dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs and cats in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The fund supports a wide array of animal welfare initiatives, especially those that address urgent and systemic issues such as animal cruelty, pet overpopulation, emergency animal services, and advocacy against inhumane practices like puppy mills and certain types of animal research. Programs that promote pet adoption and spay/neuter campaigns are also central to the fund's priorities.
The fund places particular emphasis on organizations demonstrating financial need and serving specific geographic areas, including Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in Minnesota, and Native communities such as the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Atisokanigamig), the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Nah-Gah-Chi-Wa-Nong), and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Gichi Onigaming). Projects supported by the fund may include animal rescue and relocation, preventive health programs, and support for regional animal care centers.
Eligibility for this grant is limited to entities classified under Sections 501(c)(3), 170(c)(1), or 7871 of the Internal Revenue Code, churches, or organizations that use a qualified fiscal agent. Additionally, applicants must be located in or serve the residents of a defined set of counties and tribal areas. These include counties in both northeastern Minnesota (e.g., Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Koochiching) and northwestern Wisconsin (e.g., Bayfield, Douglas, Ashland), as well as tribal lands such as the Bad River, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and Red Cliff Bands of Chippewa.
Grants generally range up to $25,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing organizations to apply at any time during the year. This flexibility is designed to accommodate urgent needs and the ongoing nature of animal care work.
The foundation encourages applicants to visit its grant portal to apply. Although specific contact information is not provided in the grant description, the main foundation website or grants team would be the appropriate channels for further inquiries. This fund underscores the foundation’s commitment to animal welfare and provides critical support to the organizations that serve pets and their communities in a culturally and geographically diverse region.
