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

Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

No direct funding; access to data and biospecimens only (shipping/retrieval fees may apply for some applicants).

Provides researchers access to longitudinal data and biological samples from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to advance canine health research.

No financial support; only data and sample access.

--- ## Description The Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study offers a unique opportunity for researchers to access one of the most comprehensive longitudinal datasets and biospecimen repositories in canine health. The study tracks over 3,000 privately owned golden retrievers across the contiguous United States, collecting annual owner- and veterinarian-reported data and a wide range of biological samples. The primary focus is on major canine cancers (osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumors), with secondary objectives covering other diseases such as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, allergies, hip dysplasia, congestive heart failure, and renal failure. This resource is intended to support research that leverages the study's longitudinal design to address critical questions in canine health, genetics, nutrition, environment, and behavior. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. --- ## Funding Amount - **No direct financial support is provided.** - Academic and nonprofit researchers can access data and samples at no cost, though they may be invoiced for shipping and retrieval fees. - Industry partners must pay access fees (minimum $10,000 for pilot projects or small datasets/samples). - Applicants must demonstrate independent funding for processing/analyzing samples and data. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers from: - Academic institutions - Nonprofit organizations - Government agencies - Industry partners (through a separate partnership application) - Applicants must demonstrate expertise, a clear understanding of the health problem, and a scientifically sound approach. - All applicants must confirm sample/data availability with the Foundation prior to submission. - For academic/nonprofit applicants, there is no fee for use of samples (other than potential shipping/retrieval). - Industry applicants must use a specific [partnership request form](https://form.asana.com/?k=4w5bPq1vYNtDWmmElX9ZCQ&d=12824520731907) and pay access fees. - Applicants must comply with U.S. trade and economic sanctions; proposals involving sanctioned countries or entities are ineligible. - International collaborations must include a named PI, co-investigator, or mentor in the country of research. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-Application Coordination** - Submit the [Sample Inquiry Form](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/GRLS-Sample-Inquiry-Form.docx) to [datateam@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:datateam@morrisanimalfoundation.org) during proposal planning to confirm availability of required data and/or samples. 2. **Proposal Submission** - Applications are submitted online via the [Fluxx portal](https://maf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - Both the PI and the submitter must create validated accounts (allow up to two business days for validation). - Complete the online application form and upload a single PDF proposal using the [required template](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/GRLS-Proposal-Template.docx). - Proposal must include: lay summary, title page, study proposal (max 5 pages), sample size calculation, references, timeline, and biosketches. 3. **Review Process** - Proposals undergo administrative, feasibility, and scientific review, scored according to [published criteria](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Proposal-Scoring-Rubric.pdf). - Applicants may be asked to respond to reviewer questions. 4. **Post-Approval** - Successful applicants complete a Materials Transfer Agreement. - Data and/or samples are transferred. - Progress reports are required every six months; publications must acknowledge the Foundation. --- ## Additional Information - **Available Data:** Annual owner and veterinarian questionnaires, supplemental questionnaires (e.g., osteoarthritis, cognitive dysfunction, dermatology), and detailed clinical and lifestyle data. - **Available Samples:** Whole blood, serum, genomic DNA, FFPE blocks, tissue in RNAlater, urine, feces, hair clippings, and nail clippings (see [study RFP page](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study-rfp) for details). - **Shipping Fees:** Shipping/retrieval fees vary by sample type, quantity, and destination; contact datateam for estimates. - **Industry Partners:** Must use the [partnership request form](https://form.asana.com/?k=4w5bPq1vYNtDWmmElX9ZCQ&d=12824520731907); minimum fee applies. - **No monetary grants** are provided under this program—applicants must have their own funding for research costs. --- ## External Links - [Golden Retriever Lifetime Study RFP & Data/Samples Portal](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study-rfp) - [Proposal Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Proposal-Guidelines_GRLS_Data-and-Samples.pdf) - [Sample Inquiry Form (DOCX)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/GRLS-Sample-Inquiry-Form.docx) - [Fluxx Application Portal](https://maf.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) - [Applicant User Guide (PDF)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Fluxx-Applicant-and-Report-User-Guide.pdf) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/GRLS-Proposal-Template.docx) - [Proposal Scoring Rubric (PDF)](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Proposal-Scoring-Rubric.pdf) - [Partnership Request Form for Industry](https://form.asana.com/?k=4w5bPq1vYNtDWmmElX9ZCQ&d=12824520731907) - [Bette M. Morris Data Commons & Biorepository](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/bette-m-morris-data-commons-biorepository) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:info@morrisanimalfoundation.org) \| +1 800-243-2345 | | Data/Sample Inquiries| [datateam@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:datateam@morrisanimalfoundation.org) | | Golden Retriever Study| [grdogs@caninelifetimehealth.org](mailto:grdogs@caninelifetimehealth.org) \| 855.4GR.DOGS | | Grants Portal Help | [grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:grantapplications@morrisanimalfoundation.org)| | Program Website | [https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org) |

Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Data & Samples

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