The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) will allocate a total of £80,000 for research projects, bolstered by £50,000 from recent legacy donations. While there are no fixed funding limits, AWF aims to support multiple animal welfare projects relevant to veterinary and allied professionals in the UK. These projects should commence in 2026 and last no longer than 36 months.
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Since its inception in 1983, AWF has prioritized funding scientific research to enhance animal welfare, resulting in numerous successful projects that have contributed valuable evidence to address various welfare challenges.
One past recipient of funding, Dr. Charlotte Burn, received £26,139 for her research on lop-eared rabbits, investigating their predisposition to ear and dental diseases. Her team studied over 400 pedigree rabbits from 49 breeds and discovered that lop-eared rabbits exhibited more clinical signs associated with ear diseases. This research has implications for improving welfare through informed breeding strategies developed by the British Rabbit Council.
Dr. Burn highlighted the significance of AWF funding, stating that it supports research beyond health, focusing on genuine animal welfare solutions and enabling informed decision-making to address welfare issues.
AWF Chair Julian Kupfer emphasized the importance of high-quality research in driving innovation and change in animal welfare, noting that the foundation’s grant program continues to support impactful projects.
Nicola Gladden, Chair of the Grants Committee, added that the substantial funding available this year is a result of generous legacy donations received last year. She encouraged potential donors to consider AWF when planning legacies, as these contributions are crucial for advancing animal welfare research and education.
The deadline for grant submissions is midnight on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Full criteria for applications can be found on the AWF website.