First Award

First Award Grants provide research funding for aspiring researchers’ first projects as the principal investigator and pairs them with a seasoned research mentor to help launch a successful, long-term scientific career that advances companion animal and wildlife health.

Applicants must have a DVM and/or a PhD and/or be specialty-board certified and must have a postdoctoral career-appointment/faculty-equivalent position at a university, accredited zoo or conservation organization. Applicants must provide a letter documenting their position from the institution’s dean, department head or equivalent. Applicants must not have received previous funding as a principal investigator for more than $20,000 for any single, extramural award. Previous role as a co-investigator is acceptable. Residents are not eligible for this award.

Deadlines for First Award proposals are as follows:

• Large Companion Animal (Horses and Llamas/Alpacas): Proposals on topics relevant to large companion animal health and welfare are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 18, 2012. Funding decisions will be made in mid-October 2012 with grant awards starting as early as December 1, 2012.
• Small Companion Animal (Dogs and Cats): Proposals on topics relevant to companion animal health and welfare were due on March 21, 2012. Funding decisions will be made in June 2012, and grant awards will start as early as August 1, 2012. 
• The next call for Wildlife Proposals will be in mid-August 2012 with proposals due in mid-November 2012. 

Click here for large companion animal health and welfare online application instructions

Components of Full Proposal Guidelines
Complete guidelines for proposal preparation and submission can be found in the online application form. Requirements of a full proposal include a scientific abstract, resubmission summary (if applicable), hypothesis and objectives, justification, literature review, preliminary data, experimental methods and design, project timeline and animal involvement justification. Applicants are also asked to provide information on project facilities and equipment, cited references, budget justification, other funding support for the principal investigator, past Foundation support and biographical data on the investigators. First Award proposals have additional requirements, including a candidate statement, letter from proposed mentor and letter from department head.

Budget
Two years at $50,000 maximum per year (personnel and supplies) plus maximum of 8 percent indirect costs (maximum award $54,000). All funds must be in US dollars.