[Michelson Found Animals Foundation](https://www.foundanimals.org)

Rolling (Letters of Intent accepted any time)

Up to $250,000 USD per year, for up to 3 years (max $750,000 total per project).

Supports research to develop a permanent, single-dose, nonsurgical sterilization method for cats and dogs.

Open internationally to individuals, institutions, and companies; LOIs reviewed within one month.

--- ## Description The Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology fund innovative research aimed at creating a permanent, single-dose, nonsurgical sterilization method for male and female cats and dogs. The program seeks to reduce shelter intake and euthanasia by supporting projects that represent significant improvements over existing sterilization products, with a strong preference for technologies that could ultimately meet the criteria for the $25 million Michelson Prize. The grants welcome a wide range of scientific disciplines and encourage novel approaches, including proof-of-concept and advanced studies in both dogs and cats. --- ## Due Dates - Letters of Intent (LOIs) may be submitted at any time (rolling submission). - LOIs are reviewed within one month of submission. - If invited, full proposals are submitted on a mutually agreed timeline. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $250,000 USD per year for a maximum of 3 years ($750,000 total per project). - There is no fixed approval rate; funding is merit-based. - Over 40 projects have been funded globally, with more than $19 million committed to date. --- ## Eligibility - Open internationally to: - Academic institutions - Biotechnology firms - Research institutes - Well-qualified individuals or groups - Applicants from diverse fields (biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, cell biology, endocrinology, gene silencing, immunology, materials science, nanotechnology, neuroscience, pharmacology, reproductive biology, theriogenology, etc.) are encouraged. - No restrictions on applicant type or geographic location. - Projects must pursue a novel, significant improvement over current nonsurgical sterilization options. - Both proof-of-concept and advanced studies are eligible. - Approaches using immunocontraception or hypothalamic neuron targeting have specific requirements for preliminary data and species used (see Additional Information). --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Resources:** - Applicants must review the program’s online resources and funding criteria before applying. 2. **Prepare Letter of Intent (LOI):** - LOI requirements: - Investigator’s contact information and project title - Proposed approach and rationale - Overview of required research (no budget needed at LOI stage) - Confirmation of reviewed resources - 3-page limit, specific formatting requirements - [Sample LOI](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/required-format-for-lois.pdf) 3. **Submit LOI:** - Email to [michelsonprize@foundanimals.org](mailto:michelsonprize@foundanimals.org) - Indicate where you learned about the grant in the email body 4. **Review:** - LOIs are reviewed within one month. - If approved, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. - Proposal deadlines are arranged with the applicant. - Feedback is provided at both LOI and proposal stages. - Resubmissions are possible if invited, within one year of disapproval. --- ## Additional Information - Injectable or implantable routes are preferred; bait/feed products are not eligible. - Projects addressing only one gender or species may be considered if they represent significant advancement. - Immunocontraception approaches must include preliminary data in dogs/cats, not rodents. - Targeting hypothalamic neurons requires data on blood-brain barrier crossing and cell specificity, preferably in dogs/cats. - The program is product-focused; approaches should consider regulatory pathways, manufacturing, and field applicability. - Grant recipients remain eligible for the $25 million Michelson Prize if their research meets all prize criteria. --- ## External Links - [Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology Program Page](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/) - [Michelson Grant Funding Criteria](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/) - [Apply for a Michelson Grant](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/apply/) - [Existing Nonsurgical Sterilization Products (ACC&D)](https://www.acc-d.org/products) - [Michelson Prize Criteria](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-prize/criteria/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [michelsonprize@foundanimals.org](mailto:michelsonprize@foundanimals.org) | | Funder Website | [Michelson Found Animals Foundation](https://www.foundanimals.org) | | Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://www.foundanimals.org/contact/) |

Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology

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