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

April 2026 (pre-proposal) | June 2026 (full application)

Up to $30,000 per project; short-term, seed funding.

Supports small, early-stage canine health research projects to generate preliminary data for future larger grants.

--- ## Description Acorn Grants are designed to provide seed funding for the early phases of innovative canine health research. These grants support small, short-term projects intended to generate preliminary data or test new ideas, helping researchers position themselves for larger-scale funding opportunities (such as Oak Grants). The program aims to foster new avenues of discovery and advance the overall field of canine health by enabling investigators to launch pilot studies or proof-of-concept work. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026: Pre-proposal / pre-application deadline (anticipated/projected) - June 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding per project: **$30,000** - Funding is intended for small, short-term research projects. - Seed funding only; projects should be scoped to generate preliminary data or test new approaches. --- ## Eligibility - Open to: - Research scientists with a demonstrated interest in canine health. - Veterinary clinical scientists (including those in disciplines such as cardiology, oncology, surgery, etc.). - Collaborative research teams with multidisciplinary expertise. - Projects must address innovative approaches or new methods to tackle key canine health priorities. - Suitable for investigators aiming to lay groundwork for larger grants or those from other fields applying their expertise to canine health. --- ## Application Process - A two-stage process is typical: - **Pre-proposal submission** (anticipated April 2026) - **Full application upon invitation** (anticipated June 2026) - Applicants should review the [Request for Proposal schedule](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule) and [application guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines) for up-to-date instructions. - Proposals must align with the foundation’s research priorities and eligibility criteria. - Prepare to submit through the foundation’s online portal when the next cycle opens. --- ## Additional Information - Acorn Grants are ideal for proof-of-concept, pilot, or feasibility studies. - Research focus can span a wide range of canine health topics (see the [Acorn Grants page](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/acorn-grants/) for examples). - Funding is highly competitive; strong emphasis is placed on innovation and potential for future impact. --- ## External Links - [Acorn Grants Program Page](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/acorn-grants/) - [Request for Proposal Schedule](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule) - [Application Guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines) - [Funding Eligibility](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/funding-eligibility) - [All Investigator Opportunities](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | chf@akcchf.org | | Phone | +1 888-682-9696 | | Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html) | | Address | 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA |

Acorn Grants - American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation

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