Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Grant

The Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Grant is an initiative of the American Psychological Foundation (APF), a private philanthropic organization committed to advancing psychology to benefit society and improve lives. This fund was established in 2003 to honor the legacy of Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark, pioneers in the psychological study of race relations and social justice. Their seminal work, including the well-known doll experiments, significantly influenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education, highlighting the psychological harm of segregation on children. The Clarks’ contributions are commemorated through this grant, which supports projects that explore the connection between self-identity and academic achievement, particularly for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The grant aims to fund innovative research and demonstration activities that deepen the understanding of how self-concept impacts learning outcomes among young students. Projects are expected to align closely with the Clarks’ vision, promoting educational equity and psychological well-being in school environments. Eligible topics may include ethnic-racial identity development, the influence of social context on student achievement, and interventions that foster positive identity formation. By supporting this line of inquiry, the APF seeks to contribute to more equitable and psychologically sound educational systems. In 2026, the grant is specifically designated for a graduate student, in accordance with its alternating-year structure, which supports either early career psychologists or graduate students in alternate cycles. Applicants must demonstrate familiarity with the Clarks’ work and legacy, referencing key sources such as archives at the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library, as well as scholarly texts like *Children, Race and Power*. The APF encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and geographies, promoting inclusivity across race, ability, gender, and more. Applicants are required to submit several key materials, including a project proposal, timeline, detailed budget and justification, and a curriculum vitae. Submissions are to be completed via the APF’s GivingData portal. The application system may occasionally face technical issues, and applicants concerned about missing deadlines due to such problems are encouraged to contact the APF at [email protected]. The APF does not provide feedback on submissions, so applicants must rely on the published criteria and instructions for guidance. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, potential impact and originality, the applicant’s qualifications, and effective resource use. Reviewers also consider whether the grant is critical to the project’s execution, especially in cases where it is part of a larger initiative. The deadline for the 2026 application cycle is June 18, 2026. While the site does not provide a specific application open date, the regularity of past cycles indicates a recurring annual pattern. Past recipients of the grant include researchers from institutions such as Purdue University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Their projects have explored diverse topics from racial trauma to parent socialization practices and cross-cultural learning environments. These examples highlight the grant’s ongoing contribution to meaningful psychological research and educational equity efforts nationwide.

Align proposal with Clarks’ legacy and demonstrate innovation and societal impact; emphasize the criticality of funding for project success.