SCORING RUBRIC ESTABLISHED INVESTIGATOR, FIRST AWARD, & PILOT STUDY PROPOSALS
Morris Animal Foundation funds rigorous, impactful research to advance animal health and welfare, supporting both established and early-career investigators as well as pilot studies.
Funder: Morris Animal Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026: Pre-proposal deadline | October 2026: Full application deadline | January 2027: Full proposal deadline
Funding Amounts: Established Investigator: avg. ~$100,000 (no strict limit, up to 36 months) | First Award: max $120,000 (up to 24 months) | Pilot Study: max $20,000 (up to 12 months)
Summary: Supports experienced and early-career investigators, as well as pilot studies, to advance impactful research in animal health and welfare.
Key Information: Only one application as PI per cycle; strict eligibility for First Award; all applications must address animal health and welfare.
Description
This program from the Morris Animal Foundation funds research that advances the health and welfare of animals, with specific award tracks for established investigators, early-career researchers (First Award), and pilot studies. Projects must be hypothesis-driven, scientifically rigorous, and demonstrate significant potential impact for animal health—either through direct health improvements or by addressing critical knowledge gaps. The Foundation encourages both academic and industry collaborations, especially those that accelerate practical impact for veterinarians, animal caretakers, and broader communities.
Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, potential impact (including stakeholder engagement), and proposal quality (attainability, expertise, facilities, and budget). All applications must adhere to high standards of animal welfare and ethical research.
