Applied Behavior Research Seed Grants 2022

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) aims to advance our 2030 goals of developing evidence-based treatment interventions and protocols in shelters and ending the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats. The ASPCA recognizes that promoting the growth of high-quality research will promote animal welfare by advancing the assessments and interventions used by key professional audiences. To this end, the ASPCA invites grant applications for our Applied Behavior Research Seed Grant program. This program seeks to support research that advances knowledge in responding to behavior problems in shelter populations.  

The typical grant amount under this solicitation is $10,000-$15,000 with a maximum individual grant amount of $30,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $60,000.  

Eligible Applicants 

We acknowledge that the effort to effectively respond to behavior problems in shelter populations can be advanced by multiple disciplines and diverse areas of expertise (e.g., ethology, biology, physiology, psychology, veterinary medicine). For the 2022 funding call, we are inviting applications from investigators from all disciplines and areas of expertise whose projects will contribute to advancing these goals.

To be eligible to apply, investigators and/or research teams must be affiliated with a US public or not-for-profit entity, such as a university, college, veterinary hospital or clinic, or other institution. 

This opportunity is also available to Canadian registered charities/foundations, public universities, and approved municipalities/public bodies.

Note: The ASPCA® was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. Acting effectively on that belief requires a commitment to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage diverse candidates to apply for our grant opportunities in the interest of working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

Eligible Projects  

The 2022 Applied Behavior Research Seed Grant program solicits research proposals that will inform shelter behavior protocols. Of particular interest is research that addresses common behavior concerns in shelter populations that lead to euthanasia. Common concerns include, but are not limited to:  

• Excessive Arousal 
• Reactivity and/or kennel stress 
• Behavioral deterioration 
• Quality of Life concerns 

Projects must have a clear research question with appropriate methodology to address the proposed research aims.  Projects with the primary aim of providing services or building infrastructure will not be considered.

Applicants must meet ASPCA Grantee Organizational Standards:

• If a past ASPCA grant recipient, must be current on all reporting requirements 
• If a 501(c)(3) organization 
  • Must be an incorporated or organized legal entity in good standing with the Secretary of State in the state where the organization is incorporated or organized 
  • Must have a board of at least 4 members with a majority of independent members with neither board chair nor treasurer receiving compensation from the organization 
  • Charitable registration must be current/active in the state of the Grantee’s primary location (for grants >=$25,000)

Download full requirements (PDF)

ASPCA as a Resource 

An ASPCA Research Director and/or content experts affiliated with the ASPCA may be available to lend expertise to study design considerations as requested by grant recipients. ASPCA personnel will not participate in data collection, analysis, or manuscript writing, and the proposed budget and application must provide for the personnel and expertise to accomplish these tasks.   

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:  

• Relevance – the proposed research directly informs applied animal behavior as relates to shelter behavior practices. 
• Approach – the study design is justified and appropriate to achieve the project goals (e.g., the study is adequately powered to answer the questions, the statistical analysis is appropriate, ethical issues are addressed, the project timeline is logical and feasible). 
• Potential impact – the potential for the research to substantially strengthen evidence-based shelter behavior practices. 
• Generalizability – the results can be used by many stakeholders in different settings or with different resources. 
• Credentials – the ability of the team to carry out the work. 

Grant Review Timeline

• RFP will open on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 9 a.m. ET.
• RFP will close on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 5 p.m. ET.
• Finalists will be notified via email on or around Monday, October 17, 2022, and invited to complete a formal application in our grant management system.
• Funding decisions are expected before Monday, November 28, 2022.

Questions

• For program-related inquiries, please email us.
• For application submission inquiries/technical difficulties, please contact grants@aspca.org