The application period for the Equine Behaviour/Welfare research grant administered through the Morris Animal Foundation will open in May.

This year, the application period will run simultaneously with the application period for the equid health research grant. Pre-proposals can be submitted starting in May, and if a proposal is accepted, a full proposal will be requested beginning in July (see below).

Individuals may sign up here to ensure they are notified when the grant application period opens.

The Foundation is also seeking professionals to serve on the Scientific Advisory Board to evaluate proposals. Those interested can see the information below on how to apply. The Foundation has changed its application system, so previous applicants may wish to check that their information is still in the system.

• Equid RFP — Opens in May
  • Application pre-proposal period open May 6, 2026 — June 10, 2026.
  • This RFP includes funding for a pilot study grant focused on improving the lives of horses by increasing understanding of the behavioural domain. This includes areas such as ethology, cognition, learning, stereotypies, separation anxiety, affiliative behaviour toward (bonding with) humans, the effects of equine temperament on welfare, and equine psychopharmacology. The Equine Behaviour/Welfare grant opportunity will not be offered as a separate RFP in 2026. This will be the only opportunity to apply.
  • Full proposal submission is by invitation only July 29, 2026 — September 9, 2026.

The Foundation is seeking professionals to serve on the following Scientific Advisory Board. This is a vital opportunity to shape the future of animal health and welfare research.

• Equid Scientific Advisory Board
  • Professionals with expertise in all aspects of equine health are encouraged, particularly in genetics, behaviour, ethology, endocrinology, immunology, internal medicine, orthopedics, nutrition, reproduction, or pathology.
  • Pre-Proposal Review: June 24 — July 22
  • Full Proposal Review: September 23 — October 28
  • SAB Meeting: November 4–5

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

New Reviewers:

• Not registered in SmartSimple as an applicant? If an applicant account is not already in the system, the linked application can be completed to express interest in joining the Animal Health Advisory Council (AHAC) pool.
• Already registered in SmartSimple as an applicant? Applicants can navigate to their profile in SmartSimple and answer "Yes" to the question "Are you interested in becoming a scientific reviewer for the Foundation?" to reveal the reviewer application. All revealed fields should be completed, including uploading a CV/Resume, and saved to express interest in joining the AHAC pool.
• If approved, the Foundation will reach out when recruiting reviewers for Scientific Advisory Boards, based on expertise alignment. Colleagues are encouraged to share this opportunity and prepare for upcoming RFPs.

 Existing AHAC Members:

Please send an email noting interest in serving on a specific SAB and relevant expertise alignment (see email below).

Contact the Foundation if any technical issues are experienced: [email protected]