AKC Canine Health Foundation - 12

The AKC Canine Health Foundation Funding Process
By Sharon M. Albright, DVM, CCRT
Manager of Communications & Veterinary Outreach
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has been funding health research exclusively for
dogs since 1995. CHF and its donors have invested over $67.5 million in high quality science to
help prevent, treat and cure canine disease. CHF uses an uncompromising process to select
and monitor projects that have the greatest potential to advance the health of dogs.
Based on input from dog clubs, dog owners, breeders, veterinarians and researchers, CHF
considers areas of unmet need and immediate opportunity, while looking to apply recent
advancements in science and technology, to determine which canine health issues require
research funding. At various times throughout the year, a request for proposals (RFP) is issued
to the scientific community inviting submission of grant applications for research projects that
address the specific health need(s) advertised (categorized into twenty-three different research
program areas). Submitted proposals must meet eligibility requirements, follow CHF format, and
comply with the Foundation's Humane Use of Animals policy.
Next, a rigorous scientific review process ensures that only the highest quality science is
funded. External reviewers across the country examine proposals within their area of expertise.
Plus, a Scientific Review Committee (SRC) comprised of 13 veterinarians, medical doctors,
researchers, and canine health experts meets monthly to review all grant proposals. These
scientists donate their time and knowledge to support CHF's mission.
CHF has three different grant types, with varied review protocols:
1) Acorn Grants are pilot studies or smaller projects requiring less than $20,000 in
funding. Proposals for these studies are reviewed and approved or declined by CHF's
Scientific Review Committee.
2) Oak Grants are larger projects requiring more than $20,000 in funding. Two external
reviewers analyze each proposal and provide a written report to the SRC, which
considers these expert reviews along with letters of support in their discussion of each
proposal. Following discussion and voting, the SRC recommends worthy projects to the
CHF Board of Directors Executive Committee for final funding decisions.
3) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a grant managed by CHF at the request
of a breed club. When a breed club recognizes a health concern of interest, they work
with CHF to identify and manage quality studies in that field. MOU grant applications go
through the same review processes described above.
Once a grant application is approved, the CHF Scientific Programs team works with the
investigator and their institution (such as a university) to secure a contract detailing the project
requirements and funding schedule. Once the contract is finalized, CHF announces the grant
award and work begins. Investigators must submit a progress report every six months and upon
completion of the study. This allows the CHF team to continuously monitor its active grants,
providing updates to grant sponsors and ensuring sound use of every donor's investment.
Study results are often shared at scientific conferences or through publication in peer-reviewed
journals. These publications have been approved by the author's peers, are accessible to all
researchers in the field, and are the quality-control system that defines and validates all
research. CHF monitors publications from its funded studies and has contributed to 1,000 peerreviewed
publications.
2023 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference
Presented by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Nestlé Purina PetCare

AKC Canine Health Foundation

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