Morris Animal Foundation Feline Health Research Awards
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The Morris Animal Foundation invites proposals for hypothesis-driven, humane research projects with high scientific merit and the potential for significant impact to advance the health and welfare of domesticated cats.
Focus: The mission of Morris Animal Foundation is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. To achieve this mission, the Foundation funds research with high scientific merit and the potential for significant impact, benefiting both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders including veterinarians, feline caretakers, and communities. Proposals should advance the health and overall welfare of domesticated cats including community and pet cats (Felis catus), with projects involving other feline species excluded from this call. Academic and industry collaborative projects are encouraged to accelerate the translation of results into practice. All applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the health problem, sufficient expertise to conduct the study, a scientifically sound approach, and consideration of environmental and animal welfare impacts.
The program supports three award types: Established Investigator, First Award, and Pilot Study, each with defined eligibility, budget limits, and project durations. Projects must adhere to the Foundation’s Health Study Policy for Animals Involved in Research, exclude euthanasia for research purposes, and consider animal sentience and welfare. International collaborations must address ethical engagement, inclusivity, and local scientific benefit, avoiding parachute science. Proposals undergo a two-stage scientific review followed by animal welfare evaluation, and funding is contingent on adherence to all guidelines, timelines, and submission requirements.
The Foundation offers three distinct funding opportunities under this request for proposals. The Established Investigator Award is for experienced researchers with a strong publication record and can last up to 36 months with no budget limit, though the average award is around $100,000. The First Award is designed for early-career researchers who have completed their doctorate or equivalent and are in a qualifying position; it offers up to $120,000 for a maximum of 24 months. The Pilot Study Award provides up to $20,000 for a 12-month proof-of-concept project.
Selection is competitive and applicants are limited to one submission as principal investigator. Proposals are first screened for adherence to guidelines, then reviewed for scientific merit and potential impact by the Scientific Advisory Board, and finally evaluated for animal welfare compliance by the Animal Welfare Advisory Board. Applications must be submitted via the AIBS online portal by 4:59 PM Eastern Time on October 8, 2025.
In addition to the research proposal, submissions must include an Animal Health Impact section, justification for any animal involvement, detailed budget and budget justification, supporting letters, and a commitment from an authorized institutional signer. For First Award applicants, letters from mentors and department heads are required. The program also provides specific formatting, ethical, and submission requirements to ensure fairness, clarity, and compliance.
