The Springfield Research Fund Grants

The Springfield Research Fund Grant, offered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), supports research focused on contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues. The goal of this funding opportunity is to help counteract stereotypes and combat misinformation that can lead to prejudice and discrimination. By promoting rigorous academic inquiry into stigmatized topics, the APF advances its mission of leveraging psychological science to address societal challenges. APF encourages applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and works to ensure that research funded by the foundation reflects a broad and inclusive understanding of psychological health and well-being. The 2026 grant cycle prioritizes research projects that investigate intersectional stigmas, recognizing the complex and layered ways in which discrimination and marginalization can manifest. This targeted focus is intended to support cutting-edge work that addresses multiple forms of identity and oppression, including, but not limited to, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, and neurodivergence. Past recipients reflect this commitment to intersectionality, with recent studies exploring themes like mental health outcomes in autistic and gender-diverse youth, bias in healthcare settings, and resilience among LGBTQIA+ communities of color. Funding is provided in the form of three separate grants of up to $21,000 each, contingent on the inclusion of at least $1,000 allocated specifically for publication costs. This requirement reflects APF’s emphasis on dissemination and public engagement, ensuring that the knowledge generated through its funding reaches a broad audience of practitioners, scholars, and the general public. While the foundation does not disclose total program funding, the structure suggests a relatively modest but impactful pool designed to support early career scholars in producing publishable, policy-relevant findings. Eligible applicants must be early career psychologists who are no more than 10 years postdoctoral. APF encourages submissions from individuals representing a wide array of identities, geographies, and professional experiences. This inclusive approach is further supported by the lack of geographical restrictions within the United States, reinforcing the nationwide scope of the program. Applicants must submit a full application through APF’s GivingData portal, which includes a project proposal, project timeline, detailed budget with justification, and a CV. The application process is streamlined but rigorous, with evaluations based on the project’s impact, innovation, methodological soundness, and plans for dissemination. While APF provides comprehensive instructions within its online portal, it does not offer individualized feedback on submissions. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is June 12, 2026. Given the recurring nature of the grant and past consistent cycles, applicants who miss the current deadline may anticipate a new cycle in June 2027. The application window is now open, and APF encourages applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the GivingData system to reach out directly via email for assistance. Final award decisions are typically made after the close of applications, although the precise notification and performance period dates are not specified in the public-facing materials.

Applications are evaluated for impact, innovation, viability, methodology, and plan for dissemination.