APF Introduces Direct Action Crisis Funding for Canceled Research Grants

On July 10, 2025, the American Psychological Foundation (APF), a notable grantmaking institution backing psychologists and service organizations, announced its initiative called the Direct Action Crisis Funding Grants. This newly established program is dedicated to addressing urgent needs that arise from the abrupt cancellation of funding from prestigious institutions such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The need for this funding is pressing, particularly in light of recent cuts in federal appropriations that have significantly impacted the psychological research community. According to Dr. Michelle Quist Ryder, the CEO of APF, these funding cutbacks are fundamentally counterproductive to the advancement of science. She stated, "Investing in psychological science is essential for a healthier, more informed, more resilient society, and APF's Direct Action Crisis Funding aims to offset the abrupt loss of financial support for this critical research."

APF's commitment to the well-being of individuals shines through its financial support for psychological research and its applications. The foundation has expressed its intention to earmark grants of up to $20,000 for doctoral-level students and early-career psychologists, with a target total of $200,000 throughout the remainder of 2025. To be eligible, projects must relate to psychology and must have lost funding from NSF or NIH recently.

The types of funded activities are diverse and can include:

- Completing important data collection efforts.
- Analyzing already collected data.
- Thoughtful project closure in collaboration with community partners.
- Preparing grant proposals to seek new funding opportunities for continuing research.

Submissions for this funding will be evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the year, with quarterly deadlines for review and allocation of resources. The first deadline for submissions is set for September 22, 2025. Interested applicants can find additional details and submit their proposals by visiting apmpsychfdn.org/funding/dacf.

Established in 1953, the American Psychological Foundation has consistently focused on funding that supports psychological applications in creating a more equitable world. Each year, the APF funds a wide array of programs amounting to over $2 million annually. These programs include those focused on implementing science, awarding achievements, offering travel scholarships, and funding non-research related projects. APF's work substantially impacts marginalized communities, efforts to prevent violence, and initiatives to dismantle prejudice and stigma. Furthermore, they prioritizing innovative approaches towards understanding the connections between mind and body health.

For more insights into their ongoing efforts and initiatives, visit www.ampsychfdn.org. If you are a psychologist or an organization looking for support in your research initiatives, the APF's Direct Action Crisis Funding could prove to be a critical resource in these financially constraining times.