[American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation](https://www.akcchf.org)

March 31, 2026 (Pre-proposal) | June 1, 2026 (Full proposal, 11:59 PM ET)

Up to $75,000 total; Acorn proposals ≤$30,000, Oak proposals >$30,000 (both include max 15% indirect costs).

Funding for research advancing treatment, diagnosis, or management of degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

--- ## Description The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) invites pre-proposals for research focused on degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs. This grant supports innovative projects aimed at developing therapies to slow or halt disease progression, improving diagnostics for early and accurate detection, and enhancing supportive care strategies to improve quality of life and mobility for affected dogs. Proposals with translational relevance, bridging discovery and clinical application, are encouraged. The opportunity is funded in partnership with Bubba’s Buddies and aligns with CHF’s mission to improve canine health. --- ## Due Dates - Pre-proposal deadline: March 31, 2026 - Full proposal deadline (by invitation): June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET Applicants must submit a pre-proposal; selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum total budget: **$75,000** - **Acorn proposals:** Up to $30,000 (including up to 15% indirect costs) - **Oak proposals:** Over $30,000 (including up to 15% indirect costs) - Project duration may vary; budgets should be appropriate to the proposed work. --- ## Eligibility - Research must align with the AKC CHF mission to advance canine health. - Principal investigators must hold a **DVM (or VMD) and/or PhD**. - Early Career Investigator applicants: - Must be within 6 years of completing their terminal degree or post-graduate training. - Must provide a letter of institutional appointment confirming protected research time and available support. - Must submit a mentor’s letter of support addressing mentorship, career development, and project review. - All studies must comply with the [Humane Use of Animals Policy](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Humane-Use-of-Animals-Policy.pdf). - Projects involving dog research colonies, non-client-owned dogs, or disease induction/injury models are ineligible. - Salary support for full-time faculty/staff is generally not allowed (with specific exceptions for Rising Researcher PIs if justified). - Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total grant budget. See [full eligibility guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/funding-eligibility/) for details. --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage submission:** 1. **Pre-proposal** (required): Submit using the [pre-proposal template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Open-Call-Pre-Proposal-Template-2025.docx) via the online application system. 2. **Full proposal** (by invitation): Invited applicants submit a full proposal using the [Acorn and Oak proposal template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-Template-1.docx). - All application materials—including biosketch, budget, lay summary, and signature page—must conform to CHF’s requirements. See the [application checklist](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-and-Application-Checklist-2.pdf). - Proposals must follow the [research tools and templates](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/). - Applications are submitted through the online portal (see RFP page for links). - Notification of awards is expected in late summer 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Both Acorn and Oak proposals are accepted; select the appropriate type based on your project’s budget. - Project timelines may vary; propose a schedule appropriate for your research. - All funded projects must adhere to the Foundation’s ethical and reporting requirements. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Instructions](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/2026-canine-degenerative-myelopathy/) - [Eligibility Guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/funding-eligibility/) - [Research Tools & Templates](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/) - [AKC CHF Grant Opportunities](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |-------------------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------------| | Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP | Chief Executive Officer | [stephanie@akcchf.org](mailto:stephanie@akcchf.org) | | Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS | Chief Operating Officer | [andrea@akcchf.org](mailto:andrea@akcchf.org) | | CHF Programs Staff | General Inquiries | [chfgrants@akcchf.org](mailto:chfgrants@akcchf.org) | For more information, visit the [contact page](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html).

2026 Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Sign in to see full grant listing