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Application Process
Grant Making History
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has become the largest funder of exclusively canine health research in the world. CHF raises funds to support quality research to discover causes of disease, earlier, more accurate diagnoses, and better, more effective treatments. Over the first fifteen years, CHF has funded over 550 grants totaling $25 million.
General Approach and Philosophy
CHF supports research that will improve the health and lives of all dogs. CHF achieves this by awarding grants to scientists and professionals in research that concern the origins of canine illness, diagnosis of canine diseases, developments of effective treatments and the identification of disease prevention strategies.
CHF’s grant process is distinctive in that it gathers information about canine health priorities from the AKC Parent Clubs as well as dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, academic institutions, and researchers. We encourage our investigators to submit applications based on this feedback. The unique alliance with the Parent Clubs also allows us to work together to fund the research and improve the health of the entire canine species.
Our established grants review process is rigorous and stringent. Applications are not only reviewed by our Grants Committee but also are subjected to reviews by experts in the application’s field of study. We go to great lengths to make certain that funded research is of the highest quality and thereby ensure that the results are significant and add to the body of research. Because of the similarities between humans and canines, research funded by CHF often provides information for discoveries in human illnesses, as well. Not only are we helping our beloved companions, but we are helping ourselves.
Applications are sought from researchers from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, veterinary researchers, geneticists, and molecular biological scientists. Collaborative projects involving investigators from a variety of disciplines and/or institutions, including human health researchers, are encouraged to apply.
CHF offers two main types of research grants, OAKs and ACORNs. Learn more about these research grants by selecting the grant type.
OAKs: Traditional grants that are submitted, reviewed and approved on an annual cycle.
ACORNs: Smaller research grants that have a maximum direct cost of $12,000.
Donate to a Grant
You can make contributions to support the specific research grants that match your interests or greatest health concern.
Participation Needed
Your help is needed with canine health research. DNA and tissue samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by certain diseases.
