[Morris Animal Foundation](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org)

4:59 PM ET, April 3, 2026

Average award approximately $100,000; project duration up to 24 months; no strict budget cap.

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. --- ## Due Dates - Proposal submission deadline: 4:59 PM Eastern Time, April 3, 2026 - Applicants will be notified of funding status by late July 2026 or earlier. --- ## Funding Amount - Average award: Approximately $100,000 per project - Maximum project duration: 24 months - No strict upper budget limit, but proposals are expected to align with the average award amount. - Indirect costs: Up to 8% of total direct costs allowed - Equipment purchases: Capped at $5,000 per project - Travel for conferences: Not to exceed $2,000 total --- ## Eligibility - Open to established investigators with a record of expertise demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. - Applicants may submit only one application as Principal Investigator (PI) for this RFP, but can be listed as a co-investigator on other proposals. - Researchers worldwide are eligible, except for those in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the Crimea Region of Ukraine; all participants must comply with U.S. trade and economic sanctions. - Accepts equivalent doctoral degrees (e.g., DVSc) or DVMs with a permanent academic or equivalent position and a record of research publication. - Projects must focus on assistance dogs (service, therapy, or facility dogs); studies related to human health or agricultural animal health are not eligible. - International projects require a named in-country collaborator (PI, Co-Investigator, or Mentor). --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted through the [SmartSimple portal](https://morrisanimalfoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp?lang=1&prole=0). - Applicants must register for a SmartSimple account; allow 2–3 business days for account activation. - Institutional approval is required for all applications—invite your authorized institutional signatory early, and allow at least 2 business days for approval after submission. - Required application components include: - Proposal using the [provided template](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/2026-01/FY27_Proposal_Template_Mae_Service_Dogs.docx) - Lay and technical summaries - Detailed project description, methods, and cited references - Budget and justification - Biographical sketches for PI and co-investigators - Letters of support, especially for international collaborations - Justification of animal involvement and client consent forms (if applicable) - All documents must be in English. - Applications must be complete and institutionally approved by the deadline; late or incomplete applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - All funded projects must adhere to the Foundation’s [Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Health-Study-Policy.pdf). - Proposals undergo a two-stage review: administrative (adherence to guidelines) and scientific (merit and impact), followed by animal welfare review for fundable projects. - Only one application per PI per this RFP; co-investigatorship on other proposals is allowed. - Progress reports and compliance with contractual obligations are required for all current and former grant recipients. - [Sample contract](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/EXAMPLE_Grant-in-Aid-Agreement-EI-FA-PS.pdf) is available for review. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/2026-02/FY27_Proposal-Guidelines_Mae-Service-Dogs.pdf) - [SmartSimple Application Portal](https://morrisanimalfoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp?lang=1&prole=0) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/2026-01/FY27_Proposal_Template_Mae_Service_Dogs.docx) - [Grant Writing Resources](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Grant-Writing-Resources-and-Tips.pdf) - [Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Health-Study-Policy.pdf) - [FAQs on Eligibility and Application](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/grants-scientific-programs-faqs) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@morrisanimalfoundation.org \| +1 800-243-2345 | | Grants Team | grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org | | Funder Website | [https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org)| | Contact Form | [https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/contact-us](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/contact-us) |

Assistance Dog Donor-Inspired Study Request for Proposals: Established Investigator Awards

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