As APA's chief executive officer, Norman B. Anderson, PhD, lives and breathes psychology more than most, operating 24/7 on his infectious enthusiasm for how psychology is making the world a better place. So when he and his wife wanted to make a charitable gift, they naturally chose psychology's philanthropic arm, the American Psychological Foundation.
"APF is a wonderful organization that does great work on behalf of our field," Anderson says. This year, the couple made a commitment of $100,000 to APF's Visionary Fund, which supports innovative research and intervention work in four areas: understanding the connection between behavior and health; reducing stigma and prejudice; understanding and preventing violence; and addressing psychological needs in the aftermath of a disaster.
The fund's ability to seed innovation and jump-start research careers was particularly appealing, Anderson says.
"We really have appreciated the diversity of topics the foundation has supported, especially grants to new up-and-coming scientists," he says. "It's very difficult now to get federal grants for research, and having APF grants available to young scientists can be a critical boost to their careers and increase their chances of funding from the National Science Foundation or the National Institutes of Health."
The Andersons' gift provides a significant boost to APF's larger Campaign to Transform the Future, the foundation's effort to raise $6.5 million by 2016. As of July, the campaign had raised $4.4 million.
Before becoming APA's CEO in 2003, Anderson was the founding director of NIH's Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research and held faculty positions at Duke University Medical School and Harvard University School of Public Health. P. Elizabeth Anderson is a health journalist and author of the 2008 book "The Powerful Bond between People and Pets: Our Boundless Connection to Companion Animals."
The Andersons plan to continue giving back to psychology however they can. "For many psychologists, coming into this field has had a significant positive influence on their lives," Norman Anderson says. "I know that has been true for me, and it is a privilege to be able to give something back."
Since federal funding is scarce, 90 percent of APF's applicants go unfunded. But gifts like this one can make a huge difference, says APF Executive Vice President and Executive Director Elisabeth R. Straus.
"Their gift will help launch careers and enable psychology to address some of society's thorniest problems," Straus says. "We are truly grateful."
For information on applying for a Visionary Grant of up to $20,000, visit. APF's Visionary Grantopens in new window For more information on donating to APFopens in new window, visit the APF website.
