AWI Implementing Refinement Grant
AWI Implementing Refinement Grant supports animal care staff, veterinarians, students, and researchers with equipment, training, and practical changes to improve the welfare of animals used in research.
Funder: Animal Welfare Institute
Due Dates: October 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to US$8,000; implementation expected within 12 months of receiving the grant
Summary: Supports equipment, staff training, and other practical refinements that improve the welfare of animals used in research beyond their basic needs.
Key Information: Applicants must reside in the United States or Canada, and projects must take place in either country.
Description
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) funds the implementation of refinements that improve the lives of animals used in research. The program welcomes animal care staff, veterinarians, students, and researchers seeking support for equipment, staff training, or other practical changes. It is intended for improvements beyond basic husbandry and medical care that institutions should already provide.
Supported refinements have included larger and more complex housing, nesting boxes, exercise opportunities, mouse handling tunnels, quieter transport carts, and positive reinforcement training. AWI prioritizes the magnitude of welfare improvement, the number of animals affected, project feasibility, and alignment with its mission. Projects that inflict avoidable stress or require killing animals as part of their methods or outcome measures are not supported.
