DENVER/Updated February 13, 2026 — Morris Animal Foundation announced a new call for research pre-proposals focused on wildlife health and welfare, specifically targeting mammal species. The Foundation is accepting applications for Established Investigator, First Award and Pilot Study grants focused on mammal health. Fellowship Training Award applications may focus on any wildlife species.
Apply now through the Foundation’s SmartSimple portal. Pre-proposals must be submitted no later than February 11, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. ET.
Submissions must demonstrate a clear animal health impact, with translational value for free-ranging wildlife populations. The Foundation supports projects that engage key stakeholders and prioritize both scientific and non-academic impact, such as connections with veterinarians, policymakers and local communities.
All applications must align with the Foundation’s Health Study Policy and ethical standards. Proposals that do not follow guidelines or demonstrate appropriate consideration of animal welfare will be declined.
Key Dates:
- Pre-proposal deadline: February 11, 2026, by 4:59 p.m. ET
- Full proposal invitations sent: April 15, 2026
- Full proposal deadline (by invitation only): May 27, 2026
Researchers must submit proposals through the Foundation’s SmartSimple portal. More information and required materials can be found on the Foundation’s Grants page.
Scientific Advisory Board:
- Yiltawe Wungak, DVM, PhD, National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria
- Aniruddha Belsare, PhD, Auburn University
- Simon Clegg, BSc, MSc, PhD, University of Lincoln
- Amanda Trask, BSc, MRes, PhD, Zoological Society of London
- Brianna Beechler, DVM, PhD, Oregon State University
- Robert Fleischer, PhD, Smithsonian Institution
- Maria Diez Leon, PhD, MSc, BSc, Royal Veterinary College
- Georgiana Deak, DVM, PhD, EVPC Resident, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca
- Molly Albecker, MS, PhD, University of Houston
- Brianna Stenger, PhD, BS, North Dakota State University
- Jessye Wojtusik, PhD, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Mohamed Abouelkhair, DVM,MS,PhD, DACVM, Rowan University
- Colleen Duncan, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVPM, Colorado State University
- Sharon Kessler, PhD, University of Stirling
- Lisa Murphy, VMD, DABT, University of Pennsylvania
- Elizabeth Warburton, PhD, University of Georgia
- Zach Laubach, PhD, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Matyas Liptovszky DVM, MA, MSc, DECZM(ZHM), FHEA, MRCVS, The University of Nottingham
- Budhan Pukazhenthi, PhD, MS, Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $170 million in 3,200+ critical animal health studies to date across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Lindsey Washington
