Division 56 CHANGE Grant

The Division 56 Cultivating Healing, Advocacy, Nonviolence, Growth, and Equity (CHANGE) Grant, administered by the American Psychological Foundation in partnership with Division 56, supports innovative collaborative projects led by graduate students or early-career psychologists. These projects are designed to address and dismantle systemic racism, discrimination, and violence in the United States. The grant underscores a strong commitment to healing, advocacy, and equity through trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches. This opportunity encourages research and interventions that explore and reduce trauma disparities, examine the sociopolitical roots and impacts of racial trauma, and highlight resilience and thriving within communities of color. Priority is given to projects that enhance transdisciplinary research, improve access to psychological services, and develop sustainable programs that promote well-being. Eligible projects may also include restorative justice initiatives and other methods that promote systemic change. The CHANGE Grant is open to graduate students and early-career psychologists, defined as individuals with a doctoral degree obtained within the past 10 years. Applicants from diverse backgrounds—across age, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender, and geography—are especially encouraged to apply. This reflects APF’s broader mission of fostering inclusive excellence in psychological science and practice. Each applicant must submit a project proposal, a one-page project timeline, a one-page detailed budget and justification, and an abbreviated curriculum vitae limited to ten pages. All applications must be submitted through the APF GivingData portal, where applicants can find comprehensive formatting and content instructions. APF strongly recommends reviewing all portal materials before reaching out for additional help; questions may be directed to programs@ampsychfdn.org. Applications will be evaluated based on the project's potential impact, originality, and contribution to the field, as well as the strength and clarity of the methodology and implementation plan. Applicants should be aware that APF does not provide individualized feedback on proposals. The application period closes on October 9, 2026. Each of the three selected projects will receive a grant of $2,150. Typically, projects funded by APF are expected to be completed within one year. The CHANGE Grant is part of APF’s continued investment in trauma psychology and its application to systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, this grant serves as a catalyst for emerging professionals to contribute meaningfully to psychological research and community well-being through informed and equitable practice.

Proposals are evaluated based on impact, innovation, contribution to the field, and sound methodology; applicants should clearly address these criteria in their proposals.