Guidelines to Submit Research Proposals. The American Heartworm Society is interested in funding heartworm research focusing on, but not limited to, the following subject areas: (1) treatment of adult heartworm infections in cats, (2) improved heartworm testing methodology for both cats and dogs, (3) role of immunity in heartworm infection and disease, and (4) innovative models for the study of Dirofilaria immitis. Preference will be given to proposals that are considered unlikely to be funded through other channels.

All proposals must be prepared using a sans serif font of size 11 or larger, single spaced with minimum 1" top, bottom, and side margins. Proposals must not exceed the indicated page limitations and should closely follow the format outlined below. Awards range from $10,000 to $40,000 (US) based on size and scope of project.

Title Page – limit 1 page. Include the project title, principal investigator's name and contact information, amount requested, dates of the proposed project, and date submitted

Abstract – limit 1 page. Provide a brief, 300-word description of the proposed research

Research Plan – limit 5 pages. Include the following:

• Background and significance of the research (include preliminary data if applicable)
• Purpose/specific aims/hypothesis(es)
• Experimental design and methods (include potential pitfalls and solutions, and power calculation – if appropriate)
  • Please provide justification and a statement of clinical relevance if research animals will be used
• Data analyses that critically addresses the proposed hypothesis(es)
• Expected results and outcome(s)
• Plans for future funding

Ethical (IACUC and/or IRB) approval or assurance of pending submission (no page limit)

References – limit 1 page. List important and/or relevant literature cited in the proposal

Detailed Budget Justification – limit 1 page. The following budget items are not allowed: travel, publication costs, and salary for faculty and staff; tuition, fees, and benefits for students; indirect costs. Student salary is allowed and may comprise up to 50% of the budget.

• Identify all costs that are necessary and reasonable to accomplish the proposed research
• Justify all costs with a brief description

Personnel – limit ½ page. List all personnel and explain their role on the proposed project

Timeline – limit ½ page. Provide a timeline denoting keys dates and activities necessary to complete the research. A maximum of 24 months is allowed for each research project

Periodic Reports – formal reports due annually with a brief report due at 6 and 18-month time points

Final Report – due within the 6 months of the termination date of an award. This report should include dates in which the project was active, total amount of funding, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussions, and any outcomes (e.g., publications, external grants submitted, and presentations).

Submit proposals – as a single, collated pdf file via email to Research@HeartwormSociety.org