Frequently Asked Questions About Giving

How is Morris Animal Foundation funded?

Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr. was a visionary veterinarian who foresaw the need for dedicated scientific research if veterinary medicine was to advance. When Dr. Morris developed the kidney disease diet – the first prescription diet in veterinary history – royalties from sales where used to establish the Foundation’s endowment.

Morris Animal Foundation currently is funded by public support – from individuals, corporations, breed clubs and foundations – as well as earnings on our endowed funds.

What is Morris Animal Foundation’s annual budget for funding studies?

The budget for funding studies in FY19 is approximately $8 million, which includes funding for traditional studies, pilot studies and educational opportunities in veterinary research. Studies are divided into three major areas: small animal (cat and dog), large animal (horse, llama and alpaca), and wildlife. Since many of our studies are multi-year, this budget includes on-going studies as well as newly funded studies.

How much is Morris Animal Foundation’s endowment, and what is it used for?

The current value of our endowment is $86 million. Our endowment is used to support Morris Animal Foundation’s mission to advance animal health and well-being. The Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees identify the greatest areas of need on an annual basis. Maintaining an endowment also is critical to ensuring the Foundation’s financial stability and ability to continue its work into perpetuity.

Can I donate to a particular study, disease category or species?

Our goal is to put your donation to work immediately to help animals in the best way possible. Unrestricted gifts allow us to put your dollars to work – and limit our administrative costs – allowing your donation to do the most good.

We do accept restricted gifts to:

If a study doesn’t receive full sponsorship, will it continue?

Yes. When Morris Animal Foundation commits to funding a study, the commitment is for the full length and cost of the study. Money from sponsorships and unrestricted funds are used to support the study in its entirety, as long as the study continues to meet Foundation requirements (e.g. budget, impact, research updates).

How are donations distributed to specific research focus areas?

Donations are distributed based on the advice and input of Morris Animal Foundation’s scientific advisory boards and the Chief Scientific Officer. Their goal is to review all submitted grant proposals and recommend funding for those that have the greatest scientific merit and impact on improving the health and well-being of companion animals, horses and wildlife.These studies are then approved by the Morris Animal Foundation Board of Trustees.

How can I have my employer match my recent donation?

Thousands of companies match donations made by their employees to organizations like ours - is your employer one of them? Please visit our matching gift page to see if your company will match your gift and to access the forms and instructions you need to submit your match.

See if my company will double my donation!

What do I do if I made a tribute donation and my friend or family member has not received their tribute card?

Delivery estimates for our tribute cards are 7-10 business days. If it has been longer than 2 weeks, please contact us at 1-800-243-2345, option 2.

I am a monthly donor - how do I update my credit card, change my gift date or amount?

Contact our Donor Relations Associate, at 800.243.2345, press 2, or [email protected] to:

  • Update your credit card information
  • Change your monthly donation amount
  • Change the date your monthly gift is processed
  • Temporarily or permanently suspend your monthly payments
  • Request a tax receipt
How can I spread the word about Morris Animal Foundation?

Check out “Share" options located throughout our website, particularly next to our stories and news and in the footer of each page. You can use these tools to send a message to friends via email or through a number of social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.