The Winn Feline Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the health and welfare of all cats by providing funding for feline specific health research and education. In 1968, the Cat Fanciers’ Association created what would become the Winn Feline Foundation, establishing a source of funding for medical studies to improve cat health and welfare. A 501 non-profit charitable organization, the foundation was named in honor of CFA's longtime attorney and advisor, Robert H. Winn. The CFA continues to actively support the Foundation and remains dedicated to Winn’s original vision. The Winn Feline Foundation home office is in Wyckoff, New Jersey. As of 2020, Winn has funded over $6.9 million in feline specific health studies at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. Just as Winn has grown, so has feline medicine. Cats are no longer viewed as small dogs; they are now a major veterinary specialty. Today, cat owners expect and receive state-of-the-art medical care. Winn has been at the forefront of uncovering new information, stimulating interest in the veterinary community and getting the word out to every cat owner.
Grant Funding
Twice yearly, Winn accepts grant proposals from researchers all over the world for feline health studies. Grant proposals/requests are reviewed by the Grant Review Panel, consisting of Veterinary Consultants, Veterinary Advisors and Scientific Advisors. Each proposal is reviewed under a rigorous set of guidelines and standards, including a study’s scientific merit, its value to cats, and the soundness of its design and its budget. The humane treatment of any animal participating in a study is always of paramount importance. Based on the findings of the Grant Review Panel, recommendations are made to the Winn Feline Foundation Board of Directors for the disbursal of funds. Winn Feline Foundation administers several condition-specific funds, including the Ricky Fund, which provides funding for studies in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the Bria Fund which provides funding for Feline Infectious Peritonitis studies, and the Andorra Fund, providing funding for immune-mediated and inflammatory disease research. Donors can contribute to on-going studies as well.
Resources for Veterinary Professionals and Cat Owners
Winn Feline Foundation sponsors an annual symposium on feline health topics for veterinarians, technicians, breeders and cat owners, as well as co-sponsoring international veterinary conferences. Winn Feline Foundation publishes articles that educate veterinarians and the public about feline health, new findings and advancements, and current news in cat care. Winn also shares information via podcasts, videos, blogs and newsletters.
Venture info film
Winn Feline Foundation co-produced a film Aeris, a film by Paul Castro, Jr. and Aly Miller, which is about a young couple trying to save the life of a kitten with Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Winn hosted the film's premiere on November 3rd, 2017 at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
