CFAs: Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Research or Program Development Grant (US)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Research or Program Development Grant offers a $3,000 award to support psychologist-led research or program development grounded in lived experience. The grant prioritizes projects in peer support, survivor studies, c/s/x work, disclosure, and related lived-experience-focused areas, with funding strictly limited to direct project costs.

Program Overview

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Research or Program Development Grant is designed to support research or program development projects led by psychologists who identify as having lived experience.

The grant specifically funds work that centers lived experience as a source of knowledge and leadership, particularly in areas such as peer support, survivor-led research, c/s/x (consumer/survivor/ex-patient) initiatives, disclosure, and broader lived-experience-focused programs.

The goal is to strengthen research, practice, and innovation that meaningfully reflects and amplifies lived experience perspectives within psychology and mental health systems.

Key Focus Areas

Funded projects must align clearly with lived experience–centered work, including:

• Peer support research or program development

• Survivor studies

• c/s/x-led research or initiatives

• Disclosure-focused research or programs

• Other research or program development grounded in lived experience perspectives

Projects may focus on generating new knowledge, developing practical programs, or strengthening dissemination of lived-experience-informed practices.

Grant Funding Details

Award Amount

• Total grant amount: USD 3,000

• Number of awards: One grant per funding cycle

Allowable Use of Funds

The grant supports direct project costs only, including:

• Participant compensation or incentives

• Technology-related expenses (software, platforms, tools)

• Travel required for research activities or dissemination of findings

• Support for non-PI personnel contributing to the project

• Supplemental training necessary for project execution

• Open-access fees or publication costs

• PI stipend or salary support, when clearly justified by project scope and time commitment

Costs Not Allowed

Funding cannot be used for:

• Organizational indirect, administrative, or overhead costs

• Tuition or academic fees

• Costs unrelated to the approved project

Institutions receiving funds on behalf of recipients must confirm that 100% of the award will be used solely for approved direct costs.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a psychologist holding a doctoral degree

• Identify as having lived experience

• Be working in a research or program area aligned with the grant focus

• Be affiliated with:

  • A nonprofit charitable, educational, or scientific institution, or

  • A governmental entity operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes

Career Stage and Background

• Applicants may apply at any career stage

• The program actively encourages applications from individuals across diverse:

  • Ages

  • Racial and ethnic backgrounds

  • Religions and nationalities

  • Abilities

  • Sexual orientations and gender identities

  • Geographic locations

International Eligibility

• International applicants are eligible

• Applicants must be based in a country with diplomatic relations with the United States

• All application materials must be submitted in English

Project Leadership and Roles

• The applicant serves as the Principal Investigator (PI)

• A Co-PI may be included, if relevant

• The PI is the primary contact for all grant-related communication and reporting

The grant emphasizes investigator-led projects grounded in lived experience leadership.

Why This Grant Matters

Lived experience–led research and program development play a critical role in improving mental health systems, peer support models, and survivor-informed practices.

This grant matters because it:

• Centers lived experience as expertise, not anecdote

• Supports survivor- and peer-led innovation

• Promotes ethical, inclusive, and impactful research approaches

• Helps bridge gaps between lived experience, research, and practice

• Enables dissemination of lived-experience-informed knowledge

By funding directly relevant project costs, the grant removes barriers to implementation and impact.

How to Apply

Required Application Components

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Project Proposal

   • Clearly aligned with the lived experience fund goals

   • Explains the purpose, approach, and expected outcomes

   • Describes how impact will be generated

2. Project Timeline

   • Key activities and milestones

3. Detailed Budget and Budget Justification

   • Direct costs only

   • Clear explanation of how each expense supports the project

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Relevant academic, professional, and lived experience background

Dissemination Expectations

Proposals should explain:

• How findings or outcomes will be shared

• Intended audiences (e.g., peer communities, practitioners, researchers)

• Dissemination methods (publications, presentations, reports, or community sharing)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including indirect or overhead costs in the budget

• Requesting tuition or unrelated expenses

• Submitting a proposal not clearly grounded in lived experience

• Failing to justify PI stipend or salary requests

• Submitting incomplete application materials

Strong alignment with program goals is essential for competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding does the grant provide?

The grant provides a single award of $3,000.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Psychologists with a doctoral degree who identify as having lived experience and are affiliated with an eligible institution.

3. Are international applicants eligible?

Yes, provided they are based in a country with diplomatic relations with the United States.

4. Can the grant cover salary or stipend for the PI?

Yes, PI stipend or salary support may be included if clearly justified by the project’s methodology and time requirements.

5. Are indirect or administrative costs allowed?

No. Only direct project costs are permitted.

6. Is tuition an allowable expense?

No. Tuition fees are not allowed under this grant.

7. Can I include a Co-PI?

Yes. A Co-PI may be included, but the applicant remains the Principal Investigator.

Conclusion

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Research or Program Development Grant provides targeted, flexible support for psychologist-led projects rooted in lived experience.

By funding direct costs and prioritizing survivor- and peer-informed leadership, the grant strengthens research and program development that reflects real-world expertise, advances ethical practice, and creates meaningful impact for lived experience communities.

For more information, visit American Psychological Foundation.