Morris Animal Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately $4.6 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months from submission deadline
• Grant Range: $5,500 - $120,000+ (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: International (including UK researchers)
• Founded: 1948
• Total Investment: Over $170 million in 3,200+ studies

Contact Details

Website: https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/

Address: 720 S. Colorado Blvd Suite 174-A, Denver, CO 80246, USA

Email: [email protected] (for grant inquiries)

Tax ID (EIN): 84-6032307

Note: Morris Animal Foundation is a US-based nonprofit, not a UK registered charity. However, UK-based researchers are eligible to apply for funding.

Overview

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world. Since its founding, the organization has invested over $170 million toward more than 3,200 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, and preventions benefiting animals worldwide. The Foundation advances veterinary medicine through funding hypothesis-driven and humane research projects of high scientific merit and potential impact. Their work focuses exclusively on companion animals (dogs, cats), horses, and wildlife health research. Notable achievements include contributing to the development of the first feline leukemia vaccine, pioneering cat genetic research, and conducting the landmark Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. UK-based researchers and institutions are eligible to apply, with UK scientists serving on their Scientific Advisory Boards, including representatives from The Royal Veterinary College and University of Central Lancashire.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Morris Animal Foundation operates four major funding cycles annually:

Established Investigator Awards

• Amount: No budget cap; average $50,000/year for 2 years (general); $100,000 average for equid research
• Eligibility: Experienced researchers with established track records
• Application: Fixed deadlines via specific RFP calls

First Award Grants

• Amount: Maximum $50,000/year for 2 years (maximum $120,000 for equid research)
• Eligibility: New investigators early in their career as principal investigators
• Purpose: Seed funding for up to two years
• Application: Fixed deadlines via specific RFP calls

Fellowship Training Grants

• Amount: Average $50,000/year for 2 years
• Purpose: Salary support for veterinarian and/or PhD scientists committed to companion animal and/or wildlife research careers
• Application: Fixed deadlines via specific RFP calls

Pilot Study Grants

• Amount: Maximum $10,000
• Purpose: Preliminary research to generate data for larger studies
• Application: Fixed deadlines via specific RFP calls

Veterinary Student Scholar Program

• Amount: Up to $5,500 stipends
• Purpose: Support veterinary students conducting research
• Application: Through participating veterinary schools

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on four major animal health categories:

Feline Health

• Cancer research (lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, injection-site sarcomas, mammary tumors)
• Obesity and associated disease processes
• Pain management and end-of-life care
• Environmental, social and emotional risk factors for health and welfare
• Feline behavior research
• Kidney disease and heart disease

Canine Health

• Cancer prevention and treatment (including the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study)
• Disease prevention research
• Diagnostic and treatment innovations

Equine Health (Horses and Llamas/Alpacas)

• Health and welfare research
• Disease prevention and treatment

Wildlife/Exotic Animal Health

• Conservation-relevant research
• Wildlife health and welfare studies

What They Don't Fund

• Human health research - Projects oriented toward human health do not fall within the Foundation's mission
• Agricultural animal health - Livestock and farm animal research excluded
• Geographic restrictions - No funding for projects in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or the Crimea Region of Ukraine
• Sanctioned entities - Cannot fund individuals or entities sanctioned under U.S. trade and economic laws
• Outside RFP cycles - Only accepts proposals during official Request for Proposals periods (not rolling basis)

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Governance and Leadership

Current CEO: Ike Nicoll, who recently joined the organization stating: "I'm honored to join Morris Animal Foundation and build on its legacy of science-driven impact."

Previous Leadership: The Foundation has been led by notable figures including Tiffany Grunert, who served as President and CEO and stated: "With Morris Animal Foundation's rich and beautiful history, and our bright future to continue to advance animal health, I am honored to serve as the next president and CEO.“ Dr. John Reddington previously served as president and CEO, noting: ”I have been impressed by Morris Animal Foundation and its mission since first coming to know about it in veterinary school."

Scientific Advisory Boards: The Foundation utilizes subject matter experts from around the world, including UK-based reviewers such as:

• Dirk Werling, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London
• Lindsay St. George, MSc, PhD, University of Central Lancashire

Animal Welfare Advisory Board: Ensures every animal participating in Foundation-funded studies receives compassionate care, comfort, and protection from pain and distress.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Monitor RFP Announcements: The Foundation opens four separate calls annually for feline, canine, large companion animal (equid), and wildlife/exotics research
2. Review Guidelines Carefully: All proposals must strictly adhere to RFP-specific guidelines and templates
3. Submit via Online System: Applications submitted through the Foundation's online portal
4. Application Method: Fixed deadlines only (no rolling applications accepted)

Decision Timeline

• Review Period: 3-4 months from proposal submission deadline
• Two-Stage Review Process:
• Stage 1: Internal guideline deviation review by Scientific Grants Program team to ensure compliance and completeness
• Stage 2: Full proposal review by Scientific Advisory Board comprised of subject matter experts
• Notification: Applicants notified approximately 3-4 months after deadline via email

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed by the Foundation. However, the rigorous two-stage review process indicates competitive selection.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation accepts resubmissions, as evidenced by their review process including assessment of a “resubmission summary (if applicable).” Specific policies regarding waiting periods or restrictions for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly detailed. Interested applicants should contact [email protected] for specific guidance on reapplications.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Direct Advice

The Foundation explicitly states that all applicants must:

1. Clear understanding of the health problem
2. Sufficient expertise to conduct the study
3. Use of scientifically sound approach

Key Success Elements

Scientific Merit and Impact

• Hypothesis-driven research design
• High scientific merit and potential impact
• Clear advancement of canine, feline, equid, or wildlife health science

Compliance and Completeness

• Strict adherence to RFP guidelines and templates
• Complete applications meeting all criteria
• Proper formatting and required documentation

Humane Research Standards

• Compassionate animal care protocols
• Protection from pain and distress
• Ethical treatment meeting Animal Welfare Advisory Board standards

Resources Available

The Foundation provides grant writing resources and expert tips on their website. Applicants are encouraged to utilize these materials and contact the grants team at [email protected] with questions not answered in the FAQ.

Recent Funding Examples

• Nearly $1 million awarded in equine health research grants (including UK researcher Amanda Adams for EMS study)
• Over $1 million in wildlife research grants
• 52 new studies funded in 2022, with 120 active studies total
• Notable investments in feline health ($21 million in 470+ studies since 1950)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Research Excellence is Paramount: The Foundation prioritizes rigorous, hypothesis-driven research with clear scientific merit and measurable impact potential
• Strict Compliance Required: Deviation from RFP guidelines may result in automatic rejection; careful attention to formatting and requirements is essential
• UK Researchers Welcome: Despite being US-based, the Foundation actively funds international research and includes UK scientists in review processes
• Fixed Deadlines Only: Monitor the website closely for specific RFP announcements; no rolling applications accepted
• Long-Term Investment Approach: The Foundation has invested over $170 million since 1948, indicating commitment to sustained research funding
• Animal Welfare Critical: All proposals must demonstrate humane treatment protocols and compassionate care standards
• Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of the Foundation's grant writing resources and don't hesitate to contact the grants team for clarification before applying

References

1. Morris Animal Foundation official website - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/
2. “Apply for a Grant” - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/apply
3. "Grants & Scientific Programs FAQs" - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/grants-scientific-programs-faqs
4. “How We Decide Which Grants to Fund” - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/how-we-decide-which-animal-health-studies-fund
5. “Morris Animal Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Grants for New Studies Benefiting Equine Health” - https://equine.ca.uky.edu/content/morris-animal-foundation-awards-nearly-1-million-grants-new-studies-benefiting-equine-health
6. Morris Animal Foundation 990 Report via Instrumentl - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/morris-animal-foundation
7. “Morris Animal Foundation Appoints Dr. John Reddington as President and CEO” - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/morris-animal-foundation-appoints-dr-john-reddington-president-and-ceo
8. “Ike Nicoll Named CEO of Morris Animal Foundation” - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/ike-nicoll-new-ceo
9. Charity Navigator Morris Animal Foundation profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/846032307
10. Morris Animal Foundation Grant Categories PDF - https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/2018-02/award_types_and_descriptions_updated.pdf