The 2026 ASPCA Research Grants fund rigorous, innovative studies advancing animal welfare in six key areas, emphasizing real-world impact and broad dissemination of findings.
Funder: American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Professional
Due Dates: April 10, 2026 (RFP open) | July 10, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $750,000 total pool; typical awards: $35,000–$75,000 per project depending on research area, up to 24 months duration.
Summary: Supports innovative, methodologically rigorous research advancing animal welfare in six key areas, with emphasis on real-world impact and dissemination.
The ASPCA Research Grants program funds high-quality research projects designed to benefit animals directly or through systems-level change. For 2026, proposals are solicited in six research areas: Access to Veterinary Care, Applied Behavior, Cruelty, Farm Animal Welfare, Psychological Trauma, and Shelter Research. Projects must demonstrate methodological rigor, generalizability, and a clear plan for dissemination—especially to applied audiences. The ASPCA encourages open-access publication and offers support for study design considerations. Proposals may extend existing studies or explore new approaches, provided they have substantial potential to improve animal welfare.