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

October 2026

Up to $100,000 (Established Investigator, typical) | Up to $120,000 (First Award, max) | Up to $20,000 (Pilot Study, max); durations vary by award type

Supports hypothesis-driven research projects advancing animal health, requiring rigorous study design, clear objectives, and demonstrated impact.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity from the Morris Animal Foundation supports research projects that advance animal health through well-defined hypotheses, robust methodologies, and impactful outcomes. Proposals must address a significant animal health problem, provide a clear study design and methods, and articulate the anticipated impact on animal health. The program funds several award types—including Established Investigator, First Award (for early-career researchers), and Pilot Study grants—to support a range of research career stages and project scopes. All proposals must adhere to strict animal welfare standards and demonstrate consideration of the broader impacts of the research. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline; application must be received by 4:59 PM Eastern Time) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Established Investigator Awards:** No strict budget limit; average award is approximately $100,000. Maximum project duration is 36 months. - **First Award:** Up to $120,000 total; maximum project duration is 24 months. - **Pilot Study:** Up to $20,000 total; maximum project duration is 12 months. - **Indirect costs:** Up to 8% of direct costs allowed if charged by the institution. - **Equipment:** Equipment purchases may not exceed $5,000 per project. - **Travel:** Up to $2,000 for scientific meetings, with additional travel for research if justified. --- ## Eligibility - **Established Investigator:** Applicants should have a record of expertise demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. - **First Award:** Early-career researchers who have completed a PhD, DVSc, DVM, or equivalent and hold a faculty or staff position at a university, accredited zoo, conservation organization, or non-academic equivalent. Must not have received more than $25,000 as PI for any single extramural award. - **Pilot Study:** Open to investigators proposing proof-of-concept studies. - **General:** Only one application as PI per cycle. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in the area of study and a scientifically sound approach. - **Animal Welfare:** Projects must adhere to the Foundation's Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research. Euthanasia for research purposes is not permitted. - **International Collaborations:** Must include a named PI, Co-Investigator, or Mentor in the country where research will occur. - **OFAC Compliance:** No funding for work involving sanctioned countries or entities. - **Progress Reports:** PIs or Co-PIs must be current on all progress reports for active Morris Animal Foundation grants. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [AIBS portal](https://morrisanimalfoundation.aibs-scores.org/). - Register and complete all sections: Title, Questions (technical and lay summaries), People, Attachments, Approval, and Finalize. - Use the provided proposal template for structuring your submission; convert all documents to PDF (except budget, which is Excel). - Institutional approval is required before final submission. - Attach all required supporting documents, including letters of support, biographical data, training plans (where applicable), and animal involvement justification forms. - Strict adherence to page limits and formatting instructions is required. - For questions about the submission process, contact [morrisanimalfoundation@aibs.org](mailto:morrisanimalfoundation@aibs.org). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are reviewed in a two-stage process: initial administrative/scientific screening, followed by full board review and animal welfare review. - Impact and engagement beyond the scientific community are key evaluation criteria. - Open access publication costs may be included in the budget. - All documents must be submitted in English. --- ## External Links - [Morris Animal Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/apply) - [Grant Writing Resources and Tips](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Grant-Writing-Resources-and-Tips.pdf) - [Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/filesync/Health-Study-Policy.pdf) - [AIBS Application Portal](https://morrisanimalfoundation.aibs-scores.org/) - [Grants FAQ](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/grants-scientific-programs-faqs) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [info@morrisanimalfoundation.org](mailto:info@morrisanimalfoundation.org) | | Submission technical help | [morrisanimalfoundation@aibs.org](mailto:morrisanimalfoundation@aibs.org) | | Foundation website | [https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/contact-us](https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/contact-us) | | Phone | +1 800-243-2345 |

Study Proposal and Animal Health Impact Statement

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