Request for Applications: ASPCA Research Grant Program (US and Canada)

Deadline: 10-Jul-2026

The ASPCA Research Grant Program provides funding for high-quality research projects that improve animal welfare through scientific evidence, practical solutions, and systemic change. The programme supports studies across areas such as veterinary care access, animal behaviour, cruelty prevention, farm animal welfare, trauma, and shelter research.

Eligible research teams affiliated with qualifying institutions can receive grants of up to $75,000 depending on the research category.

What Is the ASPCA Research Grant Program?

The ASPCA Research Grant Program supports researchers conducting studies that improve the lives of animals.

The programme funds research that creates:

• Direct improvements in animal welfare
• Better animal care practices
• Evidence-based policies
• Long-term welfare solutions

The focus is on research that can influence real-world practices and create meaningful improvements for animals.

Purpose of the Programme

The main goal of the programme is to advance scientific understanding and develop solutions to animal welfare challenges.

The programme supports research that helps:

• Improve animal health and wellbeing
• Address barriers to animal care
• Prevent cruelty
• Strengthen animal protection systems
• Improve shelter and community-based animal services

Projects should demonstrate clear potential to benefit animals directly or contribute to wider welfare improvements.

Total Funding Available

The ASPCA Research Grant Program provides a total funding pool of:

• $750,000

Funding is distributed across different research categories.

Applicants may request any amount within the available category limits.

All proposals are reviewed equally regardless of the requested budget size.

Research Areas Supported

The programme funds research across several animal welfare fields.

Access to Veterinary Care Research

This category supports studies that improve access to veterinary services.

Projects may focus on:

• Barriers to veterinary care
• Community-based animal health solutions
• Affordable care models
• Veterinary service accessibility

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $50,000

Applied Behavior Research

This area supports research focused on animal behaviour and welfare.

Examples include:

• Behaviour improvement strategies
• Animal training approaches
• Behaviour assessment methods
• Welfare-related behaviour studies

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $35,000

Cruelty Research

This category supports research addressing animal cruelty prevention and response.

Projects may explore:

• Causes of cruelty
• Prevention strategies
• Animal protection methods
• Evidence-based interventions

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $50,000

Farm Animal Welfare Research

This category supports studies focused on improving the welfare of farm animals.

Research may include:

• Animal care systems
• Welfare assessment
• Farming practices
• Humane treatment approaches

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $75,000

Psychological Trauma Research

This area supports research related to emotional and psychological impacts on animals.

Projects may examine:

• Trauma responses
• Recovery methods
• Stress reduction
• Behavioural impacts of negative experiences

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $35,000

Shelter Research

This category supports studies that improve animal shelter operations and outcomes.

Research areas may include:

• Shelter practices
• Animal wellbeing
• Adoption outcomes
• Shelter management systems

Maximum grant amount:

• Up to $50,000

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to qualified researchers and research teams affiliated with eligible organisations.

Applicants must be connected to institutions such as:

• Universities
• Colleges
• Government agencies
• Veterinary hospitals
• Veterinary clinics
• Animal welfare organisations
• Similar research institutions

Individual applicants cannot apply independently.

International Eligibility

The programme primarily supports research conducted through United States-based organisations.

Canadian applicants may also be eligible if they are:

• Registered public universities
• Qualified public bodies

The research must clearly contribute to improving animal welfare in the United States.

Organisation Requirements

Eligible organisations must meet governance and compliance standards.

Requirements include:

• Legal incorporation and good standing
• Appropriate charitable registration where required
• A functioning board structure
• Majority independent board members
• Compliance with previous grant reporting requirements

Organisations must demonstrate responsible management and accountability.

How the Grant Works

The application process generally involves:

Step 1: Identify a Research Area

Applicants select a research topic aligned with the supported categories.

The project should address a clear animal welfare challenge.

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Applications should explain:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Animal welfare impact
• Budget requirements

Step 3: Submit the Application

Research teams submit proposals through the grant process.

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Scientific quality
• Practical relevance
• Potential welfare impact

Step 4: Research Implementation

Selected projects use funding to conduct research and develop evidence-based solutions.

Benefits of the Programme

The grant helps researchers:

• Conduct impactful animal welfare studies
• Develop new approaches to animal care
• Generate scientific evidence
• Influence welfare practices
• Support better decision-making

It connects research with practical improvements for animals.

Why Animal Welfare Research Matters

Scientific research plays an important role in improving how animals are treated and cared for.

Research can help:

• Identify welfare challenges
• Test effective solutions
• Improve care standards
• Prevent suffering
• Create long-term improvements

Evidence-based approaches allow organisations and policymakers to make better decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting research unrelated to animal welfare
• Applying without institutional affiliation
• Failing to explain practical impact
• Providing unclear research methods
• Ignoring eligibility requirements

Strong proposals should clearly demonstrate:

• A meaningful welfare issue
• A strong research approach
• Expected benefits for animals

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the ASPCA Research Grant Program?

The programme funds research that improves animal welfare through scientific studies and practical solutions.

2. How much funding is available?

The total programme funding is $750,000, with individual grants depending on the research category.

3. Can individuals apply for the grant?

No. Applications must come from eligible institutions or organisations. Individual applicants are not eligible.

4. What research areas are supported?

The programme supports veterinary care access, animal behaviour, cruelty research, farm animal welfare, psychological trauma, and shelter research.

5. Can Canadian organisations apply?

Yes, certain Canadian public universities and qualified public bodies may apply if the research benefits animal welfare in the United States.

6. What is the maximum grant amount?

Grant limits range from $35,000 to $75,000 depending on the research category.

7. What makes a strong application?

A strong application demonstrates scientific quality, clear research goals, practical animal welfare benefits, and a realistic implementation plan.

Conclusion

The ASPCA Research Grant Program supports researchers working to create stronger animal welfare systems through evidence-based studies and innovative solutions.

By funding research in veterinary care, behaviour, cruelty prevention, farm animal welfare, trauma, and shelters, the programme helps advance better care practices and long-term improvements for animals.

For more information, visit ASPCA.