AKC Canine Health Foundation: Fall 2025 Cycle - Oak & Acorn Streams

Sponsor

American Kennel Club (AKC)

For More Information

Please visit the AKC's website for additional program-specific information and resources

Description

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs through funding scientific research. In support of our mission to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease, we seek high-impact research proposals that foster critical discoveries that enable dogs to live healthier lives.  

Research projects should investigate canine disease processes, apply fundamental knowledge to develop solutions to canine health problems, or explore outcomes-based solutions in the clinical setting or any combination thereof. Priority will be given to studies that address demonstrated areas of need, foster critical discoveries, or have outcomes that impact canine health care and enable dogs to live healthier lives.

This award aims to promote studies leading to significant advancements in all areas of canine health research (see CHF’s 25 Research Program Areas), with particular interest in innovative studies related to hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and epilepsy.

Eligibility

• Research proposals must be in line with the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s mission to advance the health of all dogs by funding sound scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease.
• Instructions can be found on the Grant Submission and Report Template webpage and must be followed. Conformance to application requirements is enforced, and submissions that do not comply may be declined or delayed. Projects must strictly adhere to the Foundation’s Humane Use of Animals Policy and eligibility requirements. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to fully address the suggested criteria provided in blue font in the application template.
• For Early Career Investigators, proposals must also include:
  • Principal investigators must have a DVM (or VMD) and/or a PhD and a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in canine health research.
  • Applicants should be within 6 years after the date of completion of training at the time of submission. Training includes DVM, PhD, or post-graduate studies including residency programs.
  • A letter of institutional appointment should be provided from the institution’s dean or research administration official assuring the principal investigator’s protected research time for development as an independent researcher. The letter must also address mentorship, career development opportunities, and other support available to promote the success of the applicant as a thriving investigator.
  • A letter of support from a mentor must address mentorship, career development opportunities, and other support available to promote the success of the applicant’s project.  This letter must also include a statement that the mentor has reviewed the application prior to submission.

Maximum Project Value

Both Acorn ($30,000 maximum including 15% maximum indirect costs) and Oak ($30,000+ including 15% maximum indirect costs) grant proposals that can be completed within the budget will be accepted for review.

Indirect Costs

15%