The Atlanta Humane Society has received a grant to launch an initiative to enhance animal protection, disaster response, and community outreach across all 159 counties of Georgia. But as of late Thursday, there was no word on how the Hall County share would be used and who would administer it.
Awarded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the $2.5 million grant represents a “major leap forward” in Atlanta Humane’s mission to make Georgia a more compassionate place for pets and the people who love them.
“This is more than a grant—it’s a statewide movement,” said Cal Morgan, President and CEO of Atlanta Humane. “Thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s support, we’re building a future where every Georgia county has the tools and partnerships to better protect animals and serve our pet-loving communities.”
The funding supports the strategic expansion of Atlanta Humane’s Animal Protection Unit program and aims to address critical gaps in the state’s animal welfare infrastructure. Key initiatives include:
• Increasing emergency sheltering by adding 150 new housing units for disaster and cruelty response, including renovations at Atlanta Humane’s Marietta location and a new central Georgia facility at a currently undetermined site.
• Expanding cruelty investigations and disaster response coalitions into underserved regions, enlisting law enforcement in Georgia’s 61 counties that currently lack animal control services.
• Distributing resources statewide to ensure shelters, rescues, and community groups in every county can access affordable veterinary care, pet supplies, training, and more.
“We are honored to support the Atlanta Humane Society’s initiative to address the critical need for enhanced animal protection and community outreach across Georgia,” says Margaret Connelly, Managing Director, Founder Initiatives, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “This grant will help bridge essential gaps in services, ensuring every county has the resources to protect our animals.”