Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The Division 39 Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant Program, administered by the American Psychological Foundation, provides a single USD 11,500 grant to support projects that increase public awareness of psychoanalytic principles and treatments.
The program funds education, research, and service initiatives that communicate the value of psychoanalytic thought in addressing clinical, organizational, and social challenges.
Overview
The Division 39 Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant Program is an initiative of the American Psychological Foundation (APF) dedicated to strengthening public understanding of psychoanalytic principles, treatments, and ways of thinking.
The program recognizes psychoanalysis as a vital contribution to psychology as both a science and a profession and supports initiatives that communicate its relevance to contemporary clinical, organizational, and social issues.
Purpose of the Grant
The primary purpose of the Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant is to promote awareness of how psychoanalytic ideas and practices benefit individuals, communities, and systems.
Funded projects are expected to translate psychoanalytic knowledge for broader audiences, helping both professionals and the public understand its applications and impact.
Key Areas of Focus
Supported projects may address a wide range of psychoanalytic themes and applications.
Priority areas include:
-
Public education on psychoanalytic principles and treatments
-
Psychoanalytic approaches to clinical, organizational, or social problems
-
Research or service projects that disseminate psychoanalytic knowledge
-
Programs that highlight the scientific and professional contributions of psychoanalysis
-
Initiatives supporting early career professionals, students from diverse backgrounds, or therapists working with underserved populations
Grant Amount and Duration
The program offers one grant of USD 11,500.
Because the award amount exceeds USD 10,000, funds are disbursed through the recipient’s affiliated nonprofit, educational, scientific, or governmental institution.
Projects officially begin on the date of payment and must be completed within twelve months.
Who Is Eligible?
The grant is open to applicants who demonstrate a strong foundation in psychoanalytic knowledge and a sustained commitment to public communication and outreach.
Eligibility highlights include:
-
Practicing psychoanalytic therapists or professionals with demonstrated psychoanalytic expertise
-
Applicants working in education, research, or service related to psychoanalysis
-
Early career professionals and individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply
Applicants do not need to be practicing psychoanalysts, provided they can demonstrate psychoanalytic training or scholarship relevant to the proposed project.
International applicants may apply if they meet eligibility requirements and are based in a country with diplomatic relations with the United States.
All applications must be submitted in English.
Allowable and Non-Allowable Costs
APF funding supports only direct costs that are essential to the execution of the approved project.
Allowable direct costs include:
-
Participant payments or incentives
-
Technology and digital communication expenses
-
Travel for research, outreach, or dissemination
-
Non-PI personnel support, such as research assistants or collaborators
-
Supplemental training related to the project
-
Publication and open-access dissemination costs
-
Principal Investigator stipend or salary support, when clearly justified
The following costs are not permitted:
-
Institutional indirect, administrative, or overhead costs
-
Tuition or academic fees
If an institution administers funds on behalf of the grantee, it must formally waive all indirect or overhead costs and ensure the full award is used solely for the approved project.
Reporting and Accountability
Grant recipients are required to submit:
-
A final report within three months of project completion
-
A long-term impact report three years after the project concludes
Recipients must also agree to provide follow-up information to the Evaluation Committee detailing the use and outcomes of the grant.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed competitively based on the following criteria:
-
Impact and effectiveness in increasing public awareness of psychoanalytic principles and treatments
-
Overall quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed project
-
Viability and promise of the initiative
-
The extent to which grant funding will meaningfully contribute to project success
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:
-
A detailed project proposal
-
A clear project timeline
-
A detailed budget with justification
-
A current curriculum vitae
-
Two letters of support
Budgets must include only allowable direct costs, and each budget line must be clearly justified in relation to project objectives.
Common Application Tips
Clearly describe how the project translates psychoanalytic ideas for non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate the societal or professional relevance of psychoanalytic thinking.
Highlight outreach strategies that extend beyond academic settings.
Ensure the budget aligns tightly with project activities and excludes non-allowable costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant Program?
The program is administered by the American Psychological Foundation in collaboration with Division 39.
How many grants are awarded each year?
One grant of USD 11,500 is awarded per funding cycle.
Do applicants need to be practicing psychoanalysts?
No, applicants must demonstrate psychoanalytic knowledge and commitment, but clinical practice is not required.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes, applicants from countries with diplomatic relations with the United States may apply.
Are indirect or overhead costs allowed?
No, institutional indirect, administrative, or overhead costs are not permitted.
What reports are required after funding?
A final report is due three months after project completion, and an impact report is required three years later.
Conclusion
The Division 39 Marsha D. McCary Fund Grant Program provides targeted support for projects that communicate the enduring value of psychoanalytic principles and treatments.
By funding education, research, and service initiatives that engage the public and professional communities, the program strengthens the visibility, relevance, and impact of psychoanalysis in addressing complex psychological and social challenges.
For more information, visit American Psychological Foundation.