Michelson Philanthropies creates transformative opportunities, makes positive impact investments, and fosters strategic partnerships supporting vulnerable or underserved communities.
WHAT WE DO
Fund forward-thinking medical research
Support animal welfare
Promote equity and access to education for all
Advance intellectual property education
OUR IMPACT
Make impact investments that spur innovation
Operate programs that fix broken systems
Make catalytic grants to high-reward opportunities
Drive progress through education and advocacy
Through compelling research and actionable tools, our goal is to build a stronger rental housing industry and a more pet-positive world.
SPARK A DIALOGUE
Our survey found that 92% of renters and 93% of rental housing operators agree pets are important members of the family. We will use this positive connection with animals to drive the conversation, working together to help rewrite decades-old policies and find homes that keep pets and people together.
SHARE DATA
83% of property managers say pet-friendly vacancies fill faster. There’s a clear financial advantage for rental housing operators – and it could lead to millions more pets finding good homes.
EDUCATE
Through relevant research, resources and tools, we want to help the rental housing industry explore pet-friendly opportunities, while also supporting pet owners in being a positive part of their community.
UPCOMING EVENT
CONNECTING CALIFORNIA: SOLVING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Join the Michelson 20MM Foundation alongside California’s leading digital equity advocates and community champions for a special town hall conversation on ending digital discrimination.
RECENT News
Roser Vento-Tormo’s Michelson Prize Finalist Research: Decoding the Human Immune System
Roser Vento-Tormo was drawn to immunology by the simple question it poses: “How exactly do the cells of our body fight against the universe of pathogens we encounter every day?” For Vento-Tormo, a researcher in the Cellular Genetics program at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, finding an answer demands the rigorous study of the processes that drive the human immune system.
Michelson Prize Finalist Dr. Joshua Tan’s Research Explores the Power of Monoclonal Antibodies to Treat Diseases
Dr. Joshua Tan, a finalist for the 2023 Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology, is working towards identifying powerful monoclonal antibodies to combat diseases like COVID-19.
Championing Stories and Addressing Inequality: FirstGen Grants Support and Uplift Immigrant Women
To mark International Women’s Day 2023, FirstGen is honored to announce the recipients of its inaugural $25,000 FirstGen Spark Grant. The Foundation for California Community Colleges and the Society of Refugee Healthcare Providers both advocate for women who identify as refugees, immigrants, and migrants by providing access to services they are often denied—the resources, support, and care that give these women the greatest chance to thrive in their new home.
Breaking New Ground: Dr. Aleksandar Obradovic’s Research on Precision Immunotherapy Wins 2023 Michelson Prize
Dr. Obradovic, associate research scientist in the Department of Systems Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, was awarded the 2023 Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology grand prize in recognition of his essay: “Precision Immunotherapy – A Mechanistic Approach to Overcoming Treatment Resistance.”
Breakthrough Discoveries in Human Immunology – Michelson Philanthropies and AAAS/Science Award Transformative Research
Michelson Philanthropies and AAAS/Science award Dr. Aleksandar Obradovic, of the Department of Systems Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, with the 2023 Michelson Philanthropies & Science Prize for Immunology. He is awarded the $30,000 grand prize for his winning essay “Precision Immunotherapy – A Mechanistic Approach to Overcoming Treatment Resistance.”
RECENT VIDEOS
2023 Digital Equity Spark Grants Webinar
This 2023 Digital Equity Spark Grants funding cycle is now open from February 27th to March 13th for organizations doing work in California. In this webinar, Michelson 20MM hosts Ryan Kulas-Erikson, Director of Programs and Operations, and Cristal Mojica, Digital Equity Sr. Program Manager, highlight the evaluation framework to apply for Spark Grants.
Pet Groomer Training Thrives with MIPP Program,100 Students Enrolled in 2022
2022 was a year of many outstanding accomplishments for the Michelson Found Animals Foundation and its impact programs. The Michelson Institute for Pet Professions (MIPP) pet groomer training program is paving the way by providing much-needed pet care career training resources to underserved Los Angeles communities with a passion for working with animals.
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative is Leading the Way with the Housing Industry’s Best
Discover how industry leaders Oculus Realty and The Management Group are embracing the PIHI approach and creating stronger communities as a result.
The Better Neighbor Project Helped Over 2,000 Southern California Families in 2022
Thanks to their efforts, Michelson Found Animals provided services to over 2,000 families through our weekly pet pantries and monthly pet wellness events. Since the Better Neighbor Project launch in 2020, we have had the privilege of serving over 84,000 pets in need.
California’s Best Practices for Students Transitioning From Prison to Campus
The webinar delved into these questions and more as we discussed California’s Best Practices for Students Transitioning From Prison to Campus. During the event, directly impacted leaders will explore how educational and carceral institutions can work together to ensure student success.