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Application Process

Mission and Vision

The mission of the AKC Canine Health Foundation is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease.

Our vision is to address the health needs of all dogs across their entire lifetime by focusing on all aspects of their physical, mental, and social well-being. We embrace the One Health model as a critical tool to achieving our vision.

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. Oak grant applications and Special Emphasis grant applications are reviewed by peer reviewers, those who are experts in the application’s field of study. Acorn grants are reviewed by our Grants Committee. 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.

Funding Opportunities

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. OAKS are traditional grants that are submitted, reviewed and approved on an annual cycle. ACORNS are smaller research grants that have a maximum direct cost of $12,000.

Requests for Propsoals

Requests for proposals (RFPs) are categorized by Research Program Area and grants must be submitted in response to specific RFPs. Links to Oak and Acorn grant applications can be found within these RFPs.

Go to the Research Program Area RFPs >>

Open Letter to Applicants outlining changed to the application and review process for 2013.

View presentation on how to write a successful grant to the AKC Canine Health Foundation >>