The American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics has contributed start-up funds for the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation.

The foundation will provide grants to support research on drugs for companion and food animals, projects to ensure the safety of products from food animals that have received drugs, and training programs for veterinary pharmacologists.

The AAVPT provided an initial installment of $10,000 for the foundation fund and pledged 10 percent of the association's cash reserves for each of the next five years. The foundation will seek additional funding from other organizations, veterinarians, pharmaceutical companies, and the public. Research funds will be available through a competitive grant process, with the foundation issuing a call for proposals as early as this fall.

The members of the foundation's board are Drs. Jane G. Owens, Indianapolis, president; Daniel A. Gingerich, Lebanon, Ohio, secretary/treasurer; Anthony N. Lucas, Greenfield, Ind.; Mark G. Papich, Raleigh, N.C.; and Joe S. Gloyd, Wilmington, Del. Last year, the board completed the steps for the foundation to receive tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.