Who We Are

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) provides financial support for innovative research and programs that enhance the power of psychology to elevate the human condition and advance human potential both now and in generations to come.

Since 1953, APF has been expanding psychological knowledge and promoting change. APF understands that the discipline of psychology has unparalleled potential for understanding behavior and benefiting humanity.  APF’s rigorous competitive grants program supports the development of psychological talent and mobilizes psychology’s resources toward those problems that need to be addressed yet would otherwise go unfunded.

Over the Last 56 Years, APF Has Awarded Grants in the Following Areas:

• Treating serious mental illness

• Studying gifted children and adolescents

• Preventing violence

• Understanding prejudice

• Connecting mental and physical health

• Combating homophobia

• Examining human reproductive behaviors

• Exploring child psychology

• Using psychology to aid in disaster recovery

APF's Current Grantmaking Priorities Are Devoted To:

• Exploring and strengthening the connection between mental and physical health to ensure well-being.

• Understanding and preventing violence to create a safer, more humane world.

• Reducing stigma and prejudice to promote unity and harmony.

• Supporting programs that address the long-term psychological needs of individuals and communities in the aftermath of disaster.

APF’s work is ongoing, sometimes urgent, always important, and forever growing.