[American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation](https://www.akcchf.org)

May 15, 2026

Up to $300,000 total (including max 15% indirect costs) for up to 3 years

Supports U.S. residency programs training future veterinary specialists in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Applicants must be ACVSMR-credentialed U.S. programs; strict adherence to application and animal welfare policies required.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity funds residency programs in the United States that are focused on training veterinary specialists in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. The program, offered by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF), aims to advance the health, fitness, injury prevention, post-surgical recovery, and quality of life for canine athletes, working dogs, and dogs requiring rehabilitation. Awarded funds support a traditional track resident, providing mentorship, educational training, clinical experience, and research support with the goal of preparing candidates for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). --- ## Due Dates - May 15, 2026: Full application deadline (applications open until Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $300,000 total per residency program (inclusive of a maximum 15% indirect costs) - Project period: Up to 3 years (typical for residency training) - Actual awards may vary based on project scope and duration --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant organizations must be U.S.-based residency training programs.** - Programs must be credentialed by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR). - Applicants must demonstrate the ability to prepare candidates for ACVSMR board certification, including providing: - Mentorship - Educational and clinical training - Sufficient clinical caseload - Research support - Projects must adhere to AKC CHF's [Humane Use of Animals Policy](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsupport.caninehealthfoundation.org%2Fsite%2FR%3Fi%3Dzm-CUkTOrC3CJ5a59BGPunzS9f3ftxlAH4mM53OIj00PzI2l3Z6NAw&data=05%7C02%7Candrea.fiumefreddo%40akcchf.org%7C4884de0b1cff4e6964ea08dd661638ef%7Cdebe5afe05c34246a4c038ab75946c0f%7C0%7C0%7C638778967819409163%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1p14Fj4EB%2Fn5%2FhPzVL%2B%2F3V9kWxt8PwVzyeyZYGPN90U%3D&reserved=0). - Conformance to all application requirements is strictly enforced. --- ## Application Process - Review the detailed [Request for Proposal and instructions](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/sports-medicine-rehabilitation-residency-program/). - Prepare the application according to the [Grant Submission and Report Template](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsupport.caninehealthfoundation.org%2Fsite%2FR%3Fi%3DtSSEyCUyP70zDKawtTEDz-JL4FF1VvNgJLktnTnGlaEcQQNQiZWklA&data=05%7C02%7Candrea.fiumefreddo%40akcchf.org%7C4884de0b1cff4e6964ea08dd661638ef%7Cdebe5afe05c34246a4c038ab75946c0f%7C0%7C0%7C638778967819397193%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IDfaeBGL6nkjKNuqiQTKmMpECmjQ3Jp25jPzJTjs3Bc%3D&reserved=0). - Submit the completed application through the AKC CHF portal by the stated deadline. - Strict adherence to format and content requirements is required; non-compliant applications may be declined or delayed. - Notifications of funding decisions are expected in August 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Research proposals should address canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, including health, fitness, injury prevention, post-surgical recovery, and degenerative disease management. - Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to address all suggested criteria outlined in the application template. - Three-year residency training programs are eligible. - The program is supported by the AKC, AKC CHF, and additional breed foundations. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Portal](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/request-for-proposal-schedule/sports-medicine-rehabilitation-residency-program/) - [Eligibility Requirements](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsupport.caninehealthfoundation.org%2Fsite%2FR%3Fi%3DmFp7MXJgxpdsgIMvwZP1H-EW4rEykSy5RaMaSuyHDZVoiJKWc_FA7Q&data=05%7C02%7Candrea.fiumefreddo%40akcchf.org%7C4884de0b1cff4e6964ea08dd661638ef%7Cdebe5afe05c34246a4c038ab75946c0f%7C0%7C0%7C638778967819420959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9zoH5sx7tDEf4Ch5YsHvxnjOlZ5M2ZG2nt%2FByZDdcj0%3D&reserved=0) - [Humane Use of Animals Policy](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsupport.caninehealthfoundation.org%2Fsite%2FR%3Fi%3Dzm-CUkTOrC3CJ5a59BGPunzS9f3ftxlAH4mM53OIj00PzI2l3Z6NAw&data=05%7C02%7Candrea.fiumefreddo%40akcchf.org%7C4884de0b1cff4e6964ea08dd661638ef%7Cdebe5afe05c34246a4c038ab75946c0f%7C0%7C0%7C638778967819409163%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1p14Fj4EB%2Fn5%2FhPzVL%2B%2F3V9kWxt8PwVzyeyZYGPN90U%3D&reserved=0) - [AKC CHF Grant Opportunities](https://www.akcchf.org/investigator-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | General Contact | |----------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP | Chief Executive Officer | stephanie@akcchf.org | [chfgrants@akcchf.org](mailto:chfgrants@akcchf.org) | | Andrea Fiumefreddo, MS | Chief Operating Officer | andrea@akcchf.org | | | AKC CHF Programs Staff | | chfgrants@akcchf.org | | | Foundation Phone | | | +1 888-682-9696 | | Foundation Contact Page | | | [Contact Form](https://www.akcchf.org/about-us/contact-us.html) |

Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program

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