Applying for a Grant

Good science is at the heart of Morris Animal Foundation's (MAF) mission. We greatly appreciate our longstanding partnership with the scientific community. Thanks to the work of committed researchers, the world is a better, healthier place for animals.

Receiving a grant from MAF is highly competitive and depends on such factors as amount of available funding, number of proposals for a given health issue or animal, and donor interest. MAF accepts grant applications for small companion animals (dogs or cats), large companion animals (horses or llamas/alpacas) and wildlife. Each category requires the completion of an online application form and each has a different application deadline. Please note: the online application forms for each category are only available during a specific call for proposals. After a specific deadline, the online application is taken down and can no longer be accessed (including applications that are started but not submitted). Within each category, four types of grants are available: Established Investigator, First Award, Fellowship Training, and Pilot Studies. Each type of grant has different submission requirements. Please review the appropriate instructions below

Types of awards made

Wildlife Health Deadline: November 13, 2009
Full proposals for wildlife health were due November 13, 2009, and will be reviewed in February 2010. Awards can begin as early as July 2010. Review currently funded wildlife projects. Note: exotic species commonly kept as pets, like parrots, ferrets, etc., are included in this category. 2010 deadlines will be posted when available.

Small Companion Animal (Dogs and Cats) Health and Welfare Deadline: March 17, 2010

MAF invites full proposals on topics relevant to small companion animal health and welfare. Full proposals will be due March 17, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. EST and reviewed in June 2010. Awards can begin as early as September 2010. Review currently funded small companion animal projects.

To access the online application instructions click here.

Large Companion Animal (Horses and Llamas/Alpacas) Health and Welfare

MAF accepts pre-proposals on topics relevant to large companion animal health and welfare. Pre-proposals will be due in April 2010. If invited to submit a full proposal, applicants will be notified in June 2010. Full proposals will be due in August 2010 and reviewed in October 2010. Awards can begin as early as January 2011. Exact deadlines and application process will be posted January 2010. Review currently funded large companion animal projects.

Pilot Studies

MAF is now accepting online applications for small companion animal pilot studies. The deadline for submitting an online application is Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Please note that reviews will be made in June and notifications for funding will be made in July, 2010.

Online application instructions

Pilot-study descriptions
2010 deadlines will be posted when available.

How are funding decisions made?

MAF's scientific advisory boards advise us on funding decisions. Studies are chosen based on a rigorous set of criteria including:
         Scientific soundness
         Humane treatment of animals (health study policy)
         Animal involvement justification form
         Cost benefit
         Relevance to MAF

Out-of-Sequence Calls for Proposals

MAF will make a special call for an out-of-sequence proposal for a particular topic when we receive a significant gift specified by a donor.

Helping Shelters Help Cats Request for Proposal
Deadline February 5, 2010, 11:59 pm EST.

Collie Health Foundation Request for Proposal
Deadline February 12, 2010, 11:59 pm EST.

Pfizer Animal Health-Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Fellowship for Advanced Study Request for Proposal
Deadline March 3, 2010, 11:59 pm EST.

Request for Study Change and Progress Reports for Currently Funded Scientists

Progress reports are a critical tool for not only evaluating your scientific progress but also reporting to our donors and stakeholders about the success of Foundation-funded research. Thank you in advance for your attention to the report format and due dates.

         Request for study change
         Mid-year report
         Year-end report
         Final report