Call for Sue Crissey Animal Nutrition Residency Fund (SCARF) Host Institution Proposals

SCARF GRANT 

The Sue Crissey Animal Nutrition Residency Fund Grant (SCARF) is available to those qualified AZA institutions which meet the minimum requirements outlined below.  The grant is to support the training and development of the zoo nutrition professionals of tomorrow. These professionals will need both a strong educational background in animal nutrition as well as the skills required to manage a multifaceted nutrition program within AZA institutions.  The residency program is intended to give qualified candidates the opportunity to develop these skills prior to full employment within an AZA institution. The grant will provide $35,000/year for two years for a total of $70,000 to a qualified host institution. The qualified host institution will be required to fund additional costs, including benefits associated with those two years of employment and travel associated with cultivation of the resident specifically to the ZNF/AZA Nutrition Advisory Group conference where they are expected to present  Please be advised this is a training program and is not intended to provide a nutritionist to an institution without one. 

The SCARF Grant is a competitive grant.  A panel representing the interests of the ZNF, the NAG and the animal nutrition field will review all grant applications.  A grant award will be given to the institution demonstrating the best resources and ability to train a resident.  Institutions with members on the panel are not eligible to receive the grant.  The grant panel will comprise 3 ZNF Board members, 1 NAG steering committee member appointed by the NAG steering committee, and 1 industry professional.  

For more details and to apply, please fill out the attached form and send to Barbara Henry: Full SCARF 2026 Application