Application Deadline
The winter 2025 open request for proposals follows a two-tiered system of competitive review. Applicants must submit a Pre-Proposal Application through the online application system that demonstrates meritorious work closely aligned with CHF’s mission to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. A review committee will invite some Pre-Proposal applicants to submit a Full Proposal due at 11:59PM ET on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed and awards may be determined on a rolling basis upon submission.
Pre-Proposal Due:
Tuesday, Oct 21st
Proposal Invite Issued:
~ Monday, Nov 24th
Full Proposal Due:
Thursday, Jan 1st
Notifications:
Early Spring 2026
OAK
For studies >$30,000 including 15% maximum indirect costs.
ACORN
For studies up to $30,000 including 15% maximum indirect costs.
Scope
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs through funding scientific research. In support of our mission to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease, we seek high-impact research proposals that foster critical discoveries that enable dogs to live healthier lives.
Research projects should investigate canine disease processes, apply fundamental knowledge to develop solutions to canine health problems, or explore outcomes-based solutions in the clinical setting or any combination thereof. Priority will be given to studies that address demonstrated areas of need, foster critical discoveries, or have outcomes that impact canine health care and enable dogs to live healthier lives.
Research Focus Area
This award aims to promote studies leading to significant advancements in all areas of canine health research (see CHF’s 25 Research Program Areas), with particular interest in innovative studies related to hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and epilepsy.
Project Budget
Both Acorn ($30,000 maximum including 15% maximum indirect costs) and Oak ($30,000+ including 15% maximum indirect costs) grant proposals that can be completed within the budget will be accepted for review.
Rising Researcher Principal Investigator applicants may request salary support for their research activities related to the proposed project if well-justified in the grant narrative and reasonable by the outlined work to meet the project’s goal.
Project Period
Since the nature and scope of proposed projects vary, the duration of awards also varies.
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria
- Research proposals must be in line with the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s mission to advance the health of all dogs by funding sound scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease.
- Instructions can be found on the Grant Submission and Report Template webpage and must be followed. Conformance to application requirements is enforced, and submissions that do not comply may be declined or delayed. Projects must strictly adhere to the Foundation’s Humane Use of Animals Policy and eligibility requirements. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to fully address the suggested criteria provided in blue font in the application template.
- For Rising Researcher proposals, please see the program details to ensure all proposal elements are included.
- For Early Career Investigators, proposals must also include:
Principal investigators must have a DVM (or VMD) and/or a PhD and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in canine health research.
Applicants should be within 6 years after the date of completion of training at the time of submission. Training includes DVM, PhD, or post-graduate studies including residency programs.
A letter of institutional appointment should be provided from the institution’s dean or research administration official assuring the principal investigator’s protected research time for development as an independent researcher. The letter must also address mentorship, career development opportunities, and other support available to promote the success of the applicant as a thriving investigator.
A letter of support from a mentor must address mentorship, career development opportunities, and other support available to promote the success of the applicant’s project. This letter must also include a statement that the mentor has reviewed the application prior to submission.
Resources
Crafting a compelling grant proposal takes more than good science — it requires clear communication that connects your research to broader impact for dogs. In addition to AKC Canine Health Foundation resources, we recommend exploring trusted external tools to help you sharpen your grant writing skills.
One valuable resource is the CTSA One Health Alliance (COHA) guide on Writing Grants for Veterinary Foundations.
We also encourage you to explore COHA’s collection of short videos on topics such as:
These resources can complement your proposal preparation and help you present your research in a way that resonates with reviewers.
Contact
Administrative and scientific inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed to Programs Staff at chfgrants@akcchf.org or the appropriate contacts listed below.
Scientific Contact
Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Chief Executive Officer
Email: stephanie@akcchf.org
Programs Contact
Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS
Chief Operating Officer
Email: andrea@akcchf.org