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

Rolling (Letters of Intent accepted any time)

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

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

Preference for projects with prize-winning potential and significant advancement over existing products.

--- ## Description The Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology support innovative research aimed at creating a permanent, single-dose, nonsurgical sterilization product or technology for male and female cats and dogs. The program is part of a $75 million initiative to reduce shelter euthanasia by incentivizing the development of transformative solutions. Grants are awarded to projects that represent significant advancements over current sterilization options, with a strong preference for approaches that could lead to a prize-winning product. Interdisciplinary research and novel technologies are encouraged, and the program welcomes proposals from a global pool of applicants. --- ## Due Dates - Letters of Intent (LOIs) may be submitted at any time (rolling basis). - LOIs are typically 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 three years (total up to $750,000 per project). - Funding is merit-based; there is no fixed approval rate, but historically more than 30% of proposals have been funded. --- ## Eligibility - Open internationally to: - Academic institutions - Biotechnology firms - Research institutes - Qualified individuals or groups - Encourages applications from a wide range of disciplines, including (but not limited to): biology, bioengineering, biotechnology, cell biology, endocrinology, gene silencing, immunology, materials science, nanotechnology, neuroscience, pharmacology, reproductive biology, and theriogenology. - Applicants must propose innovative approaches to nonsurgical sterilization that significantly improve upon existing products. - Approaches using immunocontraception or targeted cytotoxins require preliminary data in dogs and/or cats; rodent-only proof of concept is generally not sufficient for these approaches. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Resources:** Applicants must review required online resources, including funding criteria, animal welfare policy, and research practice checklists. 2. **Prepare LOI:** Submit a brief (max 3 pages) Letter of Intent (LOI) in English, including: - Investigator and institution details - Project title and description of proposed approach - Rationale and research overview (no budget required at LOI stage) - Confirmation of resource review - Adherence to formatting requirements (3/4 inch margins, 11 pt Arial/Helvetica) 3. **Submit LOI:** Email the LOI to [michelsonprize@foundanimals.org](mailto:michelsonprize@foundanimals.org). 4. **Review:** LOIs are reviewed within one month. If approved, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal with further guidance provided. 5. **Full Proposal:** Submission deadline for the full proposal is determined in coordination with the Foundation. 6. **Feedback:** Applicants receive reviewer feedback at both LOI and proposal stages; resubmissions are allowed by invitation only. --- ## Additional Information - Injectable or implantable routes of administration are preferred; bait or feed products will not be considered. - Projects do not need to meet all Michelson Prize criteria to be funded, but those with potential to do so are prioritized. - The program is product-focused, aiming for solutions with high impact on animal populations driving shelter intake. - Grant recipients remain eligible for the $25M Michelson Prize if their research achieves all prize criteria. --- ## External Links - [Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology Program Page](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/) - [Apply for a Michelson Grant](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/apply/) - [Michelson Grant Funding Criteria](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/michelson-grants/) - [Policy for Animals Involved in Research](https://www.michelsonprizeandgrants.org/resources/animal-welfare-policy/) - [ACC&D: Existing Products](https://www.acc-d.org/products) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Website | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Michelson Prize & Grants | michelsonprize@foundanimals.org | [Contact Form](https://www.foundanimals.org/contact/) | ---

Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology

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