The von Liebig Prize 2024

Fall 2024 Application Period Open!

The von Liebig Prize is a $25,000 grant awarded annually by The William J. von Liebig Foundation to an individual for their significant accomplishments in animal welfare, particularly in protecting dogs and cats from abuse and caring for mistreated companion animals.

Program Overview

We are looking for individuals facilitating meaningful animal welfare change in their community.

Ideal candidates must have made a significant impact by improving the lives of disadvantaged animals or have a visionary idea for cultivating influential action concerning animal well-being. We are primarily interested in projects concerning the welfare of domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats.

We also accept and encourage nominations. If there is someone in your community whose endeavors in domestic animal welfare are worthy of recognition, please follow the application process outlined below.

How to Nominate

  • To nominate, please submit a one-page letter stating why the individual is a good fit for our prize.

    • Here are some examples of what to include in the submission: the potential prize recipient's history, mission, activities, and relevant project(s) or a visionary statement detailing an idea for facilitating change in animal welfare.

    • Individuals may nominate themselves; however, self-nominees must provide at least three references who can speak to their character and efforts in animal welfare.

  • All submissions must include the nominator's name (if applicable) and the nominee's name, birth date, current date, phone, email, and mailing address.

Eligibility

  • Individuals or individuals working together (e.g., two people working on an animal rescue project) are eligible to apply.

  • Organizations aren't eligible for this round of funding.

  • Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application submission.

  • Applications are limited to the United States. International applications will not be considered.

  • Individuals whose actions take part in any kind of illegal activity will not be considered, even if such activity is committed for the cause of animal welfare.

2022 Prize Recipient

Sherri-Lee Mercuri - Co-Founder and President of Guardians of Florida Animal Rescue, Inc. (GOFAR)

As President and Co-Founder of GOFAR Inc., Sherri has rescued over 470 dogs off the streets of Miami and continues to combat the ever-growing, never-ending dog abandoned dog crisis. From starting her animal rescue journey in Canada to making her impact in the U.S., Sherri never ceased her astounding devotion to protecting less fortunate animals. With the ever-increasing hurricanes impacting the Florida landscape, Sherri spent most of her time in the kennels while lacking water, power, and resources simply to provide care, comfort, and support to the animals in her care. Sherri-Lee Mercuri's extraordinarily rare devotion and dedication to the care, adoption, protection, and love of dogs and cats in need make us honored to have her as our second recipient of the von Liebig Prize.

2021 Prize Recipient

Leslie Granger - CEO of Bideawee

As President and CEO of Bideawee, a New York based non-profit dedicated to animal adoption and protection, since 2017, Leslie has been instrumental in increasing adoptions and expanding programs and services that provide resources and care for New York's most vulnerable animals. Under her leadership, Bideawee has developed partnerships with shelters nationwide to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome at-risk animals and has doubled Bideawee's adoption numbers. Throughout her career, Leslie Granger has shown a deep and abiding interest in improving the lives of homeless animals by caring for those that have been abused or neglected and creating loving, lifelong relationships between people and pets, making her an honorable first recipient of the von Liebig Prize.