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

September 1, 2025 (Full Proposal) | June 24, 2025 (Pre-Proposal)

Up to $30,000 per project (including up to 15% indirect costs); typical duration 12–24 months.

Seed funding for small, short-term canine health research projects to generate preliminary data and launch innovative studies.

--- ## Description Acorn Grants from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) provide seed funding for innovative, small-scale, and short-term research projects focused on canine health. These grants are designed to support early-stage investigations that can be completed with limited resources and within a shorter timeframe, enabling researchers to generate preliminary data that may support applications for larger grants in the future. Projects can address any aspect of canine health, with priority given to proposals that tackle key health issues and have the potential for significant impact. --- ## Due Dates - **Pre-Proposal Deadline:** June 24, 2025 - **Full Proposal Deadline (by invitation):** September 1, 2025, 11:59 PM EDT - **Notifications:** Fall 2025/Winter 2026 The program follows a two-stage application process: submission of a pre-proposal, followed by an invitation to submit a full proposal for selected applicants. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** Up to $30,000 per project (inclusive of up to 15% indirect costs) - **Project duration:** Typically 12–24 months - Both direct and indirect costs must be justified and align with AKC CHF guidelines. --- ## Eligibility - Open to research scientists, veterinary clinical scientists, and collaborative research teams worldwide. - No requirement for Principal Investigators to hold a specific degree (PhD, DVM, etc.), but applicants must demonstrate relevant experience and capacity to complete the project. - Projects must align with the AKC CHF mission to advance canine health. - International applicants are eligible. - Proposals do **not** need to focus solely on purebred dogs; projects benefiting all dogs are encouraged. - All animal research 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, disease induction, or non-client-owned dogs are ineligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-Proposal Submission:** Complete the pre-proposal using the [template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Open-Call-Pre-Proposal-Template-2025.docx) and submit through the [online portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/ef89f3da-56b0-450c-979b-b34dfbd62712) by June 24, 2025. 2. **Invitation to Full Proposal:** Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by September 1, 2025. 3. **Full Proposal Submission:** Use the [proposal template](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-Template.docx) and follow the [application checklist](https://www.akcchf.org/wp-content/uploads/AKC-CHF-Research-Proposal-and-Application-Checklist-1.pdf). 4. **Review and Award:** Proposals are reviewed competitively. Awards are typically announced in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026. **Supporting materials:** - [Application guidelines](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines) - [Funding eligibility](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/funding-eligibility) - [FAQs for investigators](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/investigators-faqs/) - [Reporting requirements](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/grantee-responsibilities) --- ## Additional Information - Indirect costs are capped at 15% of the total budget. - Multiple distinct proposals may be submitted by the same investigator in a given year. - Graduate student and trainee salary support is allowable within specified limits. - Equipment purchases are generally ineligible unless specifically required for the research. - Proposals must strictly adhere to AKC CHF’s application requirements. --- ## External Links - [Acorn Grants Program Overview](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/acorn-grants/) - [Request for Proposal Schedule](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule) - [Full RFP (Fall Cycle)](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/fall-cycle/) - [Application Templates & Tools](https://www.akcchf.org/research/application-process/application-templates/) - [Funding Eligibility](https://www.akcchf.org/application-guidelines/funding-eligibility) - [FAQs for Investigators](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/investigators-faqs/) - [Online Application Portal](https://bbgm-apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/ef89f3da-56b0-450c-979b-b34dfbd62712) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Role | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------| | General Inquiries | [chfgrants@akcchf.org](mailto:chfgrants@akcchf.org) | Programs Staff | | Dr. Stephanie Montgomery | [stephanie@akcchf.org](mailto:stephanie@akcchf.org) | Chief Executive Officer | | Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS | [andrea@akcchf.org](mailto:andrea@akcchf.org) | Chief Operating Officer | | Foundation Main Contact | [chf@akcchf.org](mailto:chf@akcchf.org) | General Information | | Phone | +1 888-682-9696 | Main Office | ---

Acorn Grants - AKC Canine Health Foundation

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