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Grant Application Process

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Submitting an LOI

Investigators wishing to be considered for Michelson Grant funding for research in pursuit of non-surgical sterilization methods for cats and dogs are required to submit a brief letter of intent (LOI) Found Animals accepts LOIs on an ongoing basis.

All investigators applying for a Michelson Grant are required to review the Canine and Feline Reproductive Resources prior to submitting an LOI. In the event that an investigator fails to review the Resources prior to submission, the Foundation reserves the right to return the LOI without review and to revoke the applicant’s opportunity to resubmit.

The LOI must contain:

  • proposed approach for developing a single dose non-surgical sterilant,
  • the rationale for proposing this approach,
  • an overview of required research (budget estimates not required), and
  • confirmation that the applicant has reviewed the aforementioned Resources

LOIs must not exceed two typed pages, have ¾ inch margins, use 11 point Arial or Helvetica font, and be submitted in English. LOIs must include investigators’ names, institution, address, phone, e-mail, and a title descriptive of the work proposed. Found Animals reserves the right to decline LOIs that do not conform to these guidelines.

As a reference for applicants, Found Animals has created a fictional sample letter of intent, which is formatted to the LOI guidelines. Please download here.

LOIs must be sent as an attachment to an email to michelsonprize@foundanimals.org. In the text of the email, indicate where the Primary Investigator (PI) first learned about the grant opportunity.

Grant Proposals

If the LOI is approved, the investigator will be invited to submit a full grant proposal. There are three proposal deadlines per year, in March, July, and November. Please do not submit a proposal unless invited by Found Animals Foundation. Proposals will be reviewed by Found Animals and its scientific advisors, and final decisions on grant funding will be at the sole discretion of the Foundation.

In order to be considered for the Michelson Grants in Reproductive Biology, a proposed project must pursue a technology, mechanism, or pathway representing an innovative approach to non-surgical sterilization. Investigators are encouraged to submit for "proof of concept" studies in cell culture, rodents, and/or target species. The Foundation recommends that work described in proposals not exceed three years' duration and $250,000 USD per year.

Proposed research is not required to generate results that meet all of the Michelson Prize criteria in order to be funded. However, strong preference will be given to projects with the potential to produce a Prize winning product or technology. Grant recipients will be eligible to make Prize claims in the event that their research generates a product or technology that meets all of the Prize criteria.

The Michelson Prize & Grants in Reproductive Biology is an international program open to any entity. Found Animals welcomes proposals from academic institutions and commercial entities, as well as qualified individuals or groups. Read about our current Michelson Grant Recipients.