Grant and Funding Programs Offered by BC Foundation for Non-Animal Research (BCFNAR)

The BC Foundation for Non-Animal Research (BCFNAR) is a charitable foundation created in 1970 to honour the legacy of Evelyn Martin, R.N. Its purpose is to accelerate the replacement of animals in medical and biosciences research, testing and education. The foundation distributes grant funding to students, academic researchers, non-profit organizations and educational initiatives that develop, apply or promote non-animal methods (NAMs) across Canada.

BCFNAR supports a wide spectrum of activities, including biomedical experiments based on human-relevant models, development of alternative testing methods, and the creation of teaching curricula that do not involve animal use. Funding can also cover capital equipment and specialized software that enable laboratories and training programs to adopt non-animal techniques.

The foundation focuses on modern alternatives to animal-based experimentation, such as tissue and cell culture, computer and mathematical modelling, mechanical models, computerized mannequins, human studies and the use of lower organisms when appropriate. Over the decades it has funded projects at institutions including the University of British Columbia (UBC), the University of Victoria and the BC Cancer Research Centre, as well as national organizations like the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods and the Animal Alliance of Canada Fund.

Examples of support include research on human cell models for cancer, organ-on-a-chip platforms, synthetic cell systems, and courses on new approach methods in biomedical science. BCFNAR has also helped laboratories acquire sensitive instruments for non-animal cancer research and has endowed the Evelyn Martin Fellowship, a recurring bursary for UBC students working with non-animal techniques.

BCFNAR runs an annual competitive call for proposals. Each year, typically from January 1st to April 30th, students and researchers in the biosciences across Canada can apply for funding. Proposals must explicitly avoid animal use and contribute to the body of knowledge and practice around alternatives to animal methods in research, testing or education. The foundation prioritizes clear, timely projects with strong potential to influence scientific practice and thought.

Awards vary by year and project. Public announcements detail funded projects, institutions and grant amounts, ranging from smaller seed grants to larger awards that can reach tens of thousands of dollars. In addition to project grants, the foundation has historically provided fellowships and bursaries, and it continues to offer ongoing support to courses and workshops dedicated to non-animal methodologies.

Founded in Vancouver by nurse Evelyn Martin, the foundation channels donations from individuals and partner foundations, such as the Dr. Hinda Avery Foundation, directly into non-animal research and education. Its board of trustees oversees the review of applications and selection of grant recipients. Transparency is supported through public announcements of yearly recipients and descriptions of the funded work.

BCFNAR collaborates with universities, research centres and humane science organizations to promote widespread adoption of NAMs. By consistently funding innovative, sometimes high-risk projects that challenge entrenched animal-based approaches, the foundation plays a significant role in shifting Canadian biomedical research toward humane, human-relevant methods.