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

March 31, 2026 (Pre-proposal) | June 1, 2026 (Full proposal, by invitation)

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

Supports research on innovative treatments, diagnostics, and management strategies for degenerative myelopathy in dogs.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, offered by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), seeks pre-proposals for research that advances the treatment, cure, or management of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs. The funder encourages innovative approaches, including therapeutic interventions to slow or halt disease progression, development of biomarkers or diagnostic tools for early identification, supportive care strategies to improve quality of life and mobility, and translational research with potential for clinical application. The program is supported by Bubba’s Buddies and is part of CHF’s broader mission to improve canine nervous system health. --- ## Due Dates - Pre-proposal deadline: March 31, 2026 - Full proposal (invited applicants only): June 1, 2026 All proposals must adhere to the two-stage application process: submission of a pre-proposal, followed by invitation to submit a full proposal. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum total budget: $75,000 - Acorn grants: Up to $30,000 (including max 15% indirect costs) - Oak grants: More than $30,000 (including max 15% indirect costs) - Project period: Variable, based on scope and goals --- ## Eligibility - Research must align with AKC CHF’s mission to advance canine health. - Principal investigators must hold a DVM (or VMD) and/or PhD. - Early Career Investigators (within 6 years of completing DVM, PhD, or post-graduate training) are encouraged to apply; they must provide: - Letter of institutional appointment confirming research time and support - Letter of support from a mentor, including confirmation of application review - All projects must comply with the [Humane Use of Animals Policy](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Humane-Use-of-Animals-Policy.pdf). - Only client-owned dogs with owner consent may participate; research colonies or disease induction models are not allowed. - Salary support for graduate students is allowed (sliding scale by year), but not for full-time faculty/staff except for justified "Rising Researcher" PI applicants. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-Proposal Submission** - Submit pre-proposal by March 31, 2026 via the [online application system](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/e21a8de3-fe52-49d2-ac19-1c9d49863f97). - Use the [Pre-Proposal Template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Open-Call-Pre-Proposal-Template-2025.docx) and follow the [application checklist](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-and-Application-Checklist-2.pdf). 2. **Invitation to Full Proposal** - Selected applicants will be invited in late April 2026 to submit a full proposal. - Full proposals due by June 1, 2026. - Use the [Proposal Template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-Template-1.docx) and required supporting documents. 3. **Review and Award** - Proposals are competitively reviewed. - Notification of awards expected late summer 2026. 4. **Reporting** - Interim reports every 6 months via the [grantee portal](https://us.grantrequest.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2faccountmanager.aspx%3fSA%3dAM%26sid%3d1120&SA=AM&sid=1120). - Final report and financials required within 45 days of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total grant budget. - Certain expenses (e.g., equipment, general-purpose computers, tuition, faculty salary) are ineligible; see detailed [funding eligibility guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/funding-eligibility/). - Comprehensive templates and tools for application and reporting are available on the [Research Tools & Templates page](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/). --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page (2026 Canine Degenerative Myelopathy)](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/2026-canine-degenerative-myelopathy/) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.akcchf.org) - [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/) - [Online Application Portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/e21a8de3-fe52-49d2-ac19-1c9d49863f97) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------| | Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP | Chief Executive Officer (Scientific Contact) | [stephanie@akcchf.org](mailto:stephanie@akcchf.org) | | | Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS | Chief Operating Officer (Programs Contact) | [andrea@akcchf.org](mailto:andrea@akcchf.org) | | | Programs Staff | General Inquiries | [chfgrants@akcchf.org](mailto:chfgrants@akcchf.org) | +1 888-682-9696 | For additional support, visit the [Contact Us page](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html).

2026 Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

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