Apply For a Grant

Morris Animal Foundation works tirelessly to accelerate promising research focused on improving the lives of animals around the world. We fund the best researchers, conducting the best science, whether in a clinical trial, in the lab, or out in the field. We welcome applications from dedicated scientists who seek not only to discover but to turn discoveries into action for animals.

Grant Proposal Deadlines

The dates and information below pertain to requests for grant funding. To learn more about and apply to obtain Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS) data and/or samples, visit our Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Data & Samples RFP page.

If you have questions about applying for a grant, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

ANNUAL RFP UPDATES:

  1. All Fellowship Training (FT) applications will remain open-topic (even if linked to an annual RFP that is topic-focused). There will be a separate RFP for wildlife FT applicants.
  2. Wildlife Established Investigator (EI), First Award (FA) and Pilot Study (PS) will now involve a pre-proposal phase. After pre-proposal review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
  3. All annual RFPs also undergo a 2-stage review that differs from the pre-proposal process; see proposal guidelines for additional information.
  4. Canine annual RFP topic: Senior dog health and aging. Cancer focused proposals will only be accepted if invited for resubmission. 
  5. Wildlife (EI/FA/PS) topic: Open topic focused on taxa (reptiles/amphibians, mammals, avian/fish/invertebrates). These taxa will rotate on a 3-year cycle.
    1. FY25 – Reptiles/amphibians with special focus/funds available for chytrid research
    2. FY26 – Mammals
    3. FY27 – Avian/fish/invertebrate
  6. Resubmissions are now permitted across all RFPs without written invitation, as long as the research topic is within the specific scope of the RFP. Applicants planning to resubmit a previously declined proposal are expected to consider and incorporate reviewer feedback in their new submission. Resubmission summaries are no longer required.

ANIMAL WELFARE UPDATES:

  1. Health Study Policy
    1. Additional guidelines for institutionally housed animals (#9)
    2. Include guidelines for wildlife (#10)
    3. The Foundation will no longer fund studies that have a terminal endpoint for research purposes (#12)
    4. Added clarification around induction of disease and when this is allowed in Foundation-funded studies (#13)
    5. Added clarification around induction of pain or distress and when this is allowed in Foundation-funded studies (#13)
  2. Animal Involvement Justification Form:  The entire form was significantly edited for clarity, and to ensure that the Animal Welfare Advisory Board has necessary information for proposal review.

Deadlines for Feline Health Proposals

Open DateApplication DeadlineSpecial ConsiderationsGrant DocumentsGrant Type
Open — Apply NowOctober 2, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. ETAny relevant topic.Proposal Guidelines Proposal Template
Rubric		Established Investigator, First Award, Pilot Study
Open — Apply NowOctober 2, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. ETAny relevant topic.Proposal Guidelines Proposal Template
Rubric		Fellowship Training

Deadline for Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Proposals 

Open DateApplication DeadlineSpecial ConsiderationsGrant DocumentsGrant Type
Open — Apply NowOctober 16, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. ETAny relevant topic.Learn more here.Data and/or samples only, no funding.

Deadline for Canine Osteosarcoma Proposals 

Open DateApplication DeadlineSpecial ConsiderationsGrant DocumentsGrant Type
Open — Apply NowNovember 13, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. ETAccepting Established Investigator, Pilot Study and First Award proposals for the study of canine osteosarcoma. Of particular interest are studies that focus on new treatment approaches, but all proposals that seek to advance canine osteosarcoma research are encouragedProposal Guidelines
Proposal Template
Rubric		Established Investigator, Pilot Study, First Award

Request for Proposals Calendar

These dates are subject to change. Please sign up for RFP updates to stay informed.
RFP NameOpen DateClose DateTopic or Special ConsiderationsGrant Type
Feline HealthJuly 24, 2024October 2, 2024Any relevant topic.Established Investigator, Pilot Study, First Award, Fellowship Training
Golden Retriever Lifetime StudyAugust 14, 2024October 16, 2024Any relevant topic. Learn more here.Data and/or samples only, no funding.
Canine OsteosarcomaSeptember 4, 2024November 13, 2024Topics are limited to canine osteosarcoma, with preference for furthering therapeutics. Established Investigator, Pilot Study, First Award
Wildlife HealthPre-Proposal: September 25, 2024

Full Proposal: 
December 4, 2024		Pre-Proposal: 
October 23, 2024

Full Proposal:
January 22, 2025		Reptiles/Amphibians with special focus/funds available for chytrid research.
*full proposal submission is invitation only		Established Investigator, Pilot Study, First Award
Veterinary Student ScholarsDecember 4, 2024February 12, 2025Feline, wildlife, equid or canine health.Veterinary Student Scholar
Canine HemangiosarcomaJanuary 15, 2025March 26, 2025Studies on hemangiosarcoma diagnostics, therapeutics or genetic breeding value prediction with high translation potential.Established Investigator, Pilot Study
Equine BehaviorFebruary 5, 2025April 16, 2025Behavior and welfare of wild or domesticated horses.Pilot Study

 

Grant Types

Grant CategoryDescription
Established InvestigatorEstablished Investigator grants are designed to provide funding for research by individuals and teams with a previous record of research and publication.
Pilot StudyPilot Study grants are designed to provide funding for innovative ideas to accelerate discovery and advance Morris Animal Foundation’s mission.
First AwardFirst Award grants are designed to assist new faculty in establishing a successful research program.
Fellowship TrainingFellowship Training grants are designed to assist new investigators in launching a successful research career by providing salary support in a quality mentoring environment.
Veterinary Student ScholarThe Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends to veterinary students who are selected by their institution to participate in clinical or basic animal health research.

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