Want to help me brainstorm funding for a project on bloat?

[epphd]

Hi All,

I am a companion to two cats, but do not myself have a dog.  However, I work at a research center that is launching a project to understand, predict, and potentially help prevent bloat in companion dogs. We're in an unusual situation where we have potential funding for the research, but it does not cover the full cost of the study. My job is help secure additional resources, particularly through companies or organizations. Note that this project will in no way utilize research dogs - the study will be done using pet dogs (through fecal collection, so totally non-invasively).

Not being a dog companion I'm not as knowledgeable as to what types of companies might be especially interested in funding such a study (beyond the obvious - veterinary clinics, pet shops, breed rescue orgs, etc). If any of you have any suggestions I'd be grateful!

Thanks!

[mala]

How about contacting pet food companies. Bloat most often occures after eating. It would be a major selling point if a food company could boast that their food is less likely to cause bloat. Rescues will want to help, but most are operating on a shoestring budget as it is. They could probably help you find additional sources of funding, but not be able to help themselves.

ETA: kennel clubs, speicifically for large breed dogs. You may only get small donations from members, but it could really add up.

[patches31709]

Jul 10, 2013 19:37:08 GMT -5 mala said:

ETA: kennel clubs, speicifically for large breed dogs. You may only get small donations from members, but it could really add up.

I think this is a great idea.

[runs4qs]

Jul 11, 2013 7:05:45 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

Jul 10, 2013 19:37:08 GMT -5 mala said:

ETA: kennel clubs, speicifically for large breed dogs. You may only get small donations from members, but it could really add up.

I think this is a great idea.

I'd specify national breed clubs, not your local training clubs. They don't have funding for these things.

[epphd]

Thanks everyone. We are already in the process of connecting with large breed clubs. Some of the major pet food brands roll up to large national brands (P&G and Nestle, for instance) - those companies have very specific (and frankly, embarrassingly small) philanthropic aims. But some of the smaller more specific brands - Hills, Blue Buffalo - are also on our radar.

[mmp]

You may want to ask for advice on the German shepherd forums at

Www.germanshepherds.com.

I'm sure they will have ideas of where you can look for fundraising opportunities.