Deadline: 09-Oct-2026
The Division 56 CHANGE Grant Program, launched by the American Psychological Foundation, funds collaborative projects led by graduate students and early-career psychologists to dismantle systemic racism, discrimination, and violence.
The program awards three grants of USD 2,150 each to support trauma-informed, community-centered, and equity-driven psychological research and practice initiatives.
Overview
The Division 56 CHANGE Grant Program is an initiative of the American Psychological Foundation (APF) designed to support collaborative, action-oriented projects that confront systemic racism, discrimination, and violence.
The program prioritizes work that advances trauma psychology while promoting equity, justice, and healing within underserved and marginalized communities.
Purpose of the Grant
The primary aim of the CHANGE Grant Program is to support projects that identify, challenge, and dismantle structural inequities that harm individuals and communities.
Funded projects are expected to generate practical, research-informed solutions that contribute to systemic change, community resilience, and improved access to trauma-related psychological services.
Key Focus Areas
Proposed projects must align with one or more of the following thematic priorities:
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Advancing trauma research methods and frameworks
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Addressing racial trauma and trauma-related health disparities
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Promoting community strengths and resilience among persons of color
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Developing culturally informed, sustainable well-being and healing programs
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Expanding access to trauma psychology services for underserved populations
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Supporting restorative justice and community-based healing practices
Grant Amount and Duration
APF will award three grants of USD 2,150 each.
All funds must be used within a 12-month project period that begins on the official date of payment.
Funding is intended to support innovative, collaborative, and impactful projects that demonstrate clear alignment with the program’s goals.
Who Is Eligible?
The Division 56 CHANGE Grant Program is open to:
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Graduate students enrolled in accredited programs
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Early-career psychologists who are no more than ten years postdoctoral
International applicants may apply if they meet all program requirements and are from countries with diplomatic relations with the United States.
APF strongly encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including diversity in age, race, color, religion, creed, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and geographic location.
All applications must be submitted in English.
Allowable and Non-Allowable Costs
Only direct project-related costs that are essential to the success of the proposed project are eligible for funding.
Allowable direct costs include:
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Participant incentives or payments
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Technology and software expenses
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Travel for research activities or dissemination
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Non-PI personnel support, including research assistants or co-investigators
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Supplemental training directly related to the project
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Open access fees and publication costs
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Principal Investigator stipend or salary support, when clearly justified by project scope and time commitment
The following costs are not permitted:
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Institutional indirect, administrative, or overhead costs
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Tuition or academic fees
If an institution accepts funds on behalf of a grantee, it must formally confirm that all indirect or overhead costs are waived and that the full award will be used exclusively for the approved project.
Project Timeline and Reporting Requirements
Projects officially begin on the date grant funds are released.
All activities must be completed within twelve months.
A final project report is due three months after project completion.
An additional impact report is required three years after the project concludes to document long-term outcomes and contributions.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are competitively reviewed and assessed based on the following criteria:
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Potential impact on dismantling systemic racism, discrimination, or violence
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Innovation and originality of the proposed approach
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Contribution to trauma psychology and related fields
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Strength, rigor, and feasibility of the proposed methodology
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Clarity of the project plan, timeline, and budget justification
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:
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A detailed project proposal
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A project timeline not exceeding one page
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A detailed budget with justification not exceeding one page
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An abbreviated curriculum vitae not exceeding ten pages
If letters of recommendation or support are required, they must be submitted through the designated online system by the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to contact recommenders early to ensure timely submission.
A co-principal investigator may be included, but the applicant remains the principal investigator and primary point of contact with APF.
Common Application Tips
Clearly explain how the project addresses systemic inequities rather than individual-level issues alone.
Demonstrate meaningful collaboration with communities or partners when relevant.
Align project outcomes with real-world impact and sustainability beyond the funding period.
Ensure that the budget directly reflects the project methodology and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Division 56 CHANGE Grant Program?
The program is administered by the American Psychological Foundation in collaboration with Division 56.
How many grants are awarded?
Three grants of USD 2,150 each are awarded per funding cycle.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, applicants from countries with diplomatic relations with the United States are eligible if all requirements are met.
Can Principal Investigator salary be included in the budget?
Yes, PI stipend or salary support may be included if clearly justified by the project’s time and methodological demands.
Are indirect or overhead costs allowed?
No, institutional indirect, administrative, or overhead costs are not permitted.
What is the reporting requirement after the project ends?
A final report is due three months after project completion, and an impact report is required three years later.
Conclusion
The Division 56 CHANGE Grant Program represents a focused investment in equity-driven trauma psychology research and practice.
By supporting graduate students and early-career psychologists working to dismantle systemic racism, discrimination, and violence, the program advances community healing, restorative justice, and sustainable psychological well-being.
For more information, visit American Psychological Foundation.