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The American Psychological Foundation (APF) grants are the funding programs run by APF, a philanthropic organization affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA). APF’s own site reports more than 70 years of operation, over $2.4 million in annual grant disbursement and 88 funding programs (2025). Within the wider field described in what is psychology, these programs fund students, early-career psychologists and other researchers and practitioners.
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Suggested question: “Does APF pay university overhead or indirect costs?”
What APF Grants Are and Who Runs Them
APF organizes its portfolio through an online Program Match Tool on ampsychfdn.org. The tool filters programs by eligibility group (undergraduate students, graduate students, early career psychologists, psychologists and psychology faculty) and by program type: academic funding, achievement awards, direct action, non-research project funding, research funding and travel funding. Individual programs, including APA division-partnered awards such as the Division 29 Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy Early Career Award and the Theodore Blau Early Career Award, each publish their own amounts, deadlines and rules, so check the current call before planning a budget.
Which APF Grant Programs Exist?
Because eligibility and award size differ by program, start with the Program Match Tool and pick the group that fits your career stage. The program types listed on the site are:
- Research funding for investigators at different career stages.
- Direct action programs, such as the Direct Action Visionary Grant listed in 2025.
- Academic funding and travel funding for students and trainees.
- Achievement awards and non-research project funding.
Early-career researchers comparing options will also find foundation grants for early-career investigators useful, and student applicants can compare the Psi Chi grants guide.
Can Researchers Outside the United States Apply?
Yes, for programs that accept international applicants. APF’s FAQ states that eligible applicants must come from a country that has diplomatic relations with the United States, and applications must be in English.
Does APF Pay Indirect Costs?
No. APF’s FAQ states: “APF does not allow institutional indirect/administrative/overhead costs and/or fees to be taken out of grant monies.” Institutions that accept the funds must also waive these costs in writing. Sponsored projects offices that normally apply negotiated rates, as described in how to calculate indirect costs (F&A), should plan for this before acceptance. Applicants can structure direct-cost line items using how to build a research budget.
Is IRB Approval Needed for an APF Grant?
APF’s FAQ states that it cannot disburse grant monies without IRB approval, and that recipients who do not obtain approval within six months of grant approval lose the grant. Check the specific program call for what is required at submission.
How Does the Application Work?
The principal investigator must submit the application. Even when an institution completes it on the PI’s behalf, APF’s FAQ says the application should still be submitted in the PI’s name. Use the Program Match Tool to find the program, then follow the application instructions listed for that program.
What Are the Reporting and Extension Rules?
According to APF’s FAQ, funding runs for a maximum of 12 months from the check date. A final report is due 3 months after project conclusion, and impact reports are due three years after the project concludes. Extensions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does APF pay university overhead or indirect costs?
No. APF does not allow institutional indirect, administrative or overhead costs or fees to be taken out of grant monies, and institutions must waive them in writing.
Can researchers outside the United States receive APF funding?
Yes, if they come from a country with diplomatic relations with the United States and the program accepts international applicants. Applications must be in English.
Do I need IRB approval to receive APF funds?
Yes. APF cannot disburse grant monies without IRB approval, and approval must be obtained within six months of grant approval.
Who submits the application?
The principal investigator. If an institution completes the form, it should still be submitted in the PI’s name.
Sources
- American Psychological Foundation. APF Funding Opportunities and Program Match Tool. Checked 2026-11-07: https://ampsychfdn.org/
- American Psychological Foundation. Funding programs. Checked 2026-11-07: https://ampsychfdn.org/funding/
- American Psychological Foundation. Program FAQs. Checked 2026-11-07: https://ampsychfdn.org/faqs/
