Deadline: 02-Oct-2026
The Dr. Diana Slaughter Kotzin and Mr. Joseph G. Kotzin Fund Grant provides funding to support early career psychologists working on research, practice, or education related to child and youth suicide among African Americans. The program offers one grant of $9,500 to advance evidence-based understanding and intervention strategies. Eligible applicants must be psychologists within ten years postdoctoral, with a strong interest in addressing this critical mental health issue.
Grant Overview
The Dr. Diana Slaughter Kotzin and Mr. Joseph G. Kotzin Fund Grant is a targeted funding opportunity designed to support early career psychologists focusing on child and youth suicide among African Americans.
The grant aims to strengthen research, clinical practice, and educational initiatives that address disparities in mental health outcomes and improve prevention, intervention, and support strategies for African American children and adolescents.
This funding opportunity recognizes the urgent need for culturally informed and evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention within African American communities.
Purpose and Focus Areas
The grant supports projects that contribute to one or more of the following areas.
Research
Projects that advance knowledge on risk factors, protective factors, prevalence, or prevention of suicide among African American children and youth.
Practice
Initiatives that improve clinical interventions, assessment tools, or service delivery models tailored to African American communities.
Education and Training
Educational programs or training resources that enhance the capacity of psychologists, educators, or community practitioners to address youth suicide effectively.
Grant Amount
The program offers.
- One grant award
- Total funding of $9,500
Funds are intended to support clearly defined activities that align with the grant’s focus on child and youth suicide among African Americans.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Be an early career psychologist
- Be no more than ten years postdoctoral
- Propose work focused on child and youth suicide among African Americans
Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, regardless of.
- Age
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion
- Nationality
- Ability or disability status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Geographic location
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Supported projects may include, but are not limited to.
- Empirical research studies
- Community-based intervention development
- Clinical program evaluation
- Educational curricula or training modules
- Outreach or prevention initiatives grounded in psychological science
Projects should demonstrate potential for real-world impact and relevance to African American children and youth.
Why This Grant Matters
Suicide among children and adolescents is a growing public health concern, with unique risk factors and systemic challenges affecting African American communities.
This grant is important because it.
- Supports early career psychologists at a critical stage of professional development
- Encourages culturally responsive and community-informed approaches
- Addresses gaps in research and practice related to African American youth mental health
- Promotes interventions that can save lives and improve long-term well-being
How the Grant Works
The grant process typically follows these steps.
- Eligible early career psychologists develop a project aligned with the grant’s focus area.
- Applicants submit a proposal outlining objectives, methods, and expected impact.
- Applications are reviewed based on relevance, quality, and potential contribution to the field.
- One applicant is selected to receive the $9,500 award.
- The funded project is implemented to advance research, practice, or education outcomes.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to.
- Clearly define how the project addresses child and youth suicide among African Americans
- Demonstrate cultural competence and ethical sensitivity
- Explain the potential impact on policy, practice, or future research
- Show feasibility within the scope of the funding amount
- Highlight alignment with the applicant’s early career development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing projects not directly focused on African American children or youth
- Submitting overly broad or unfocused project plans
- Failing to demonstrate relevance to psychology research, practice, or education
- Underestimating the importance of cultural context and community engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of this grant?
The grant supports research, practice, or education addressing child and youth suicide among African Americans.
How much funding is available?
One award of $9,500 is available under this program.
Who qualifies as an early career psychologist?
Eligible applicants must be psychologists within ten years of completing their doctorate.
Are applicants from outside the United States eligible?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of location, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can the grant support clinical or community-based interventions?
Yes. Practice-focused and intervention-based projects are eligible if they align with the grant’s objectives.
Does the grant support education or training projects?
Yes. Educational initiatives that strengthen capacity to address youth suicide are eligible.
Conclusion
The Dr. Diana Slaughter Kotzin and Mr. Joseph G. Kotzin Fund Grant offers a meaningful opportunity for early career psychologists to address a critical and under-researched area of mental health. By supporting focused, culturally informed work on child and youth suicide among African Americans, the grant helps advance knowledge, improve interventions, and promote healthier futures for vulnerable communities.
For more information, visit American Psychological Foundation.
