Assistance Dog Donor-Inspired Study Request for Proposals: Established Investigator Awards
Funds scientifically rigorous research to improve the long-term health and working lifespan of assistance dogs, emphasizing humane, high-impact studies that benefit service, therapy, and facility dogs.
Funder: Morris Animal Foundation
Due Dates: 4:59 PM ET, April 3, 2026
Funding Amounts: Average award approximately $100,000; project duration up to 24 months; no strict budget cap.
Summary: Funds research that advances the long-term health and working lifespan of assistance dogs through scientifically rigorous, humane studies.
Description
This program supports hypothesis-driven research projects aimed at optimizing the long-term physical and emotional health, as well as the working lifespan, of assistance dogs (including service, therapy, and facility dogs). Funded by Morris Animal Foundation and Mae Philanthropies, the grant seeks high-impact, scientifically robust, and humane studies that can significantly improve the well-being of assistance dogs. Projects should demonstrate methodological rigor, thoughtful consideration of animal welfare and environmental impacts, and a clear potential for meaningful outcomes.
