The Winn Feline Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. in 1968. Its stated mission is to enhance the relationship between cats and humans by fostering improvements in feline health through research and education. The Winn office is in Hillsborough, New Jersey.
As a not-for-profit foundation, Winn has funded over $3.3 million in direct research grants. Some of the studies have been basic science investigations; others have been aimed at immediate clinical validity. As examples of feline disease research supported by Winn Feline Foundation, the studies include the feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other heart disorders, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and other kidney disorders, feline mammary cancer and other cancers, feline hyperthyroidism, feline asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. The Foundation also supports research into feline behavioral disorders. The emergence of feline genomic research in recent years is leading to an added focus in research at the molecular level. Grants are made to the leading research universities and institutions in the country, and increasingly, to research universities around the world.
Since 1978, Winn has presented an annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium at varying locations in the United States. The Symposium features presentations by leading veterinary researchers on feline health topics of interest to cat owners, breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians.
In addition, Winn has also sponsored international symposia on feline diseases.
Partnering with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Winn Feline Foundation presents an annual Excellence in Feline Research Award (the "Winnie") and student scholarship award for veterinary students with a special interest in felines. Established by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1963, the AVMF is the veterinary professions premier philanthropic organization.