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

February 10, 2026 (Pre-Proposal) | March 16, 2026 (Proposal Invite) | May 1, 2026 (Full Proposal, due by 11:59 PM ET)

Up to $30,000 per project (including max 15% indirect costs); project durations vary.

Funds innovative research to advance canine health, with priority for studies on hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, epilepsy, and critical health needs.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports research projects that advance the health and well-being of dogs, with a focus on high-impact studies addressing critical areas such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and epilepsy. The program welcomes proposals in all areas of canine health research, including disease mechanisms, translational solutions, and clinical outcomes. Projects should align with the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s mission to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease, and must demonstrate significant potential to improve canine health care. --- ## Due Dates - **Pre-Proposal Deadline:** February 10, 2026 - **Proposal Invite Issued (approximate):** March 16, 2026 - **Full Proposal Deadline:** May 1, 2026 (due by 11:59 PM ET) - **Notifications:** Late Summer 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Award:** Up to $30,000 per project (includes up to 15% indirect costs) - **Project Duration:** Varies by project scope and objectives --- ## Eligibility - **Principal Investigator:** Must have a DVM (or VMD) and/or PhD with a demonstrated interest in canine health research. - **Institution:** Proposals must come from qualified research institutions; 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). - **Early Career Investigators:** Must be within 6 years of completing training (DVM, PhD, or post-graduate residency). Requires a letter of institutional appointment and a mentor letter addressing support and mentorship. - **Eligible Projects:** Research must directly relate to canine health and align with CHF’s mission. - **Ineligible Expenses:** Salary for full-time faculty/staff (except justified early career PI support), non-client-owned dog research, disease induction/injury models, certain equipment, and indirect costs above 15%. See full [eligibility requirements](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/funding-eligibility/) for details. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-Proposal Submission:** Complete and submit a pre-proposal via the [online application system](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/ef89f3da-56b0-450c-979b-b34dfbd62712) by the pre-proposal deadline. 2. **Invitation:** Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. 3. **Full Proposal Submission:** Submit a full proposal (using required [templates](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/)) by the full proposal deadline. 4. **Review:** Proposals are reviewed by a scientific committee; awards are determined on a rolling basis. 5. **Reporting:** Awardees must submit progress and final reports using CHF templates. Required documents include: - Pre-proposal and full proposal templates - Biosketch - Budget (Excel or Word template) - Signature page - Lay summary All application materials and templates are available on the [Research Tools & Templates page](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/). --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total grant budget. - All research involving animals 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 non-client-owned dogs, disease induction, or injury models are not eligible. - Early career applicants should ensure institutional and mentor support letters are included. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & RFP](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/spring-2026/) - [How to Apply](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/) - [Eligibility Requirements](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/how-to-apply/funding-eligibility/) - [Research Tools & Templates](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/research-tools-templates/) - [AKC Canine Health Foundation Grants](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Name | Email | |----------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Scientific Contact | Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD | [stephanie@akcchf.org](mailto:stephanie@akcchf.org) | | Programs Contact | Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS | [andrea@akcchf.org](mailto:andrea@akcchf.org) | | General Grants Email | | [chfgrants@akcchf.org](mailto:chfgrants@akcchf.org) | | Foundation Contact | | [Contact Form](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html) | ---

Spring 2026 Cycle

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