The Marsha D. McCary Division 39 Fund for Psychoanalysis, administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF) in collaboration with Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, provides annual funding aimed at advancing psychoanalysis. The grant is named after Marsha D. McCary, who established the fund to enhance public understanding of psychoanalytic principles and their relevance to a range of psychological, organizational, and social challenges.
The core objective of this grant is to support initiatives that increase awareness of the value of psychoanalytic thought and its applications. This includes educational programs, research projects, and services that contribute to public discourse and professional development within the psychoanalytic community. Emphasis is placed on fostering projects that are innovative, impactful, and capable of demonstrating the practical benefits of psychoanalytic frameworks.
Particular attention is given to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including early-career professionals, students from underrepresented populations, and therapists working with marginalized or underserved communities. This reflects the fund’s commitment to equity and the broader goal of expanding access to psychoanalytic insights across various societal sectors.
Eligible applicants must possess demonstrable knowledge of psychoanalytic principles and show a sustained interest in promoting their value to the public. While being a practicing psychoanalytic therapist is not mandatory, applicants must be able to articulate a clear plan for using the grant funds effectively and agree to submit a follow-up report detailing the impact of their work.
To apply, individuals must submit a comprehensive proposal including a project description, timeline, detailed budget and justification, a current CV, and two letters of support. Proposals will be judged based on the significance of the project in promoting psychoanalytic principles, its feasibility and promise, and how the grant funds will enhance the proposed efforts. Applicants must use the GivingData portal for submission and can seek additional guidance by contacting APF Programs via email.
The application deadline for the current cycle is August 31, 2025, and one grant of $12,000 will be awarded. The foundation does not offer feedback on applications, and all submission guidelines and FAQs are available through their online portal.
Applicants are advised to review the full application instructions in the GivingData portal. APF does not provide individual feedback on proposals.
