Sponsor

American Kennel Club (AKC)

Program

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) invites pre-proposals for research that advances progress in treating, curing, or better management of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs. This grant opportunity is made possible through the generosity of a dedicated donor, Bubba’s Buddies [1], who shares their vision to improve the quality of life for all dogs affected by this neurodegenerative disease. 

CHF welcomes innovative approaches that may include, but are not limited to: 

• Therapeutic strategies: development or testing of interventions to slow or halt disease progression.
• Diagnostic advancements: biomarkers or tools to improve early and accurate identification.
• Disease management: supportive care strategies that improve quality of life and mobility.
• Translational relevance: research that may accelerate progress from discovery to clinical application. 

Research Focus Area

This award aims to promote studies leading to significant advancements in degenerative myelopathy, under CHF’s nervous system health [2] research program area.

For More Information

Please visit the AKC's website [3] for additional program-specific information and resources.

Description

The request for proposals follows a two-tiered system of competitive review. Applicants must submit a Pre-Proposal Application through the online application system that demonstrates meritorious work closely aligned with CHF’s mission to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. A review committee will invite some Pre-Proposal applicants to submit a Full Proposal due at 11:59PM ET on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed and awards may be determined on a rolling basis upon submission.

• Pre-Proposal Due: Tuesday, Mar 31
• Proposal Invite Issued: ~Friday, Apr 24
• Full Proposal Due: Monday, June 1 unless otherwise noted
• Notifications: Late Summer 2026

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 [4] 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 [5]. 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 [6], proposals must also include the following:
  • 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

Maximum total budget: up to $75,000. 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%