RFPs: Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Dissertation Research Grant Program (US)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Dissertation Research Grant Program provides a $1,000 award to doctoral students with lived experience conducting dissertation research in clinical, counseling, or community psychology. The grant supports direct research costs for projects focused on peer support, survivor research, the c/s/x movement, disclosure, and other lived-experience-centered topics.

Program Overview

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Dissertation Research Grant Program is designed to support doctoral students whose dissertation research centers lived experience as a core source of knowledge.

The program specifically funds dissertation projects in clinical, counseling, or community psychology that explore peer support, survivor-led research, the consumer/survivor/ex-patient (c/s/x) movement, disclosure of lived experience, or related areas focused on lived-experience-informed practice and research.

The grant aims to strengthen ethical, inclusive, and impactful scholarship led by emerging psychologists with lived experience.

Research Focus Areas

Eligible dissertation topics include, but are not limited to:

• Peer support models and outcomes

• Survivor research and survivor-led methodologies

• c/s/x movement–focused studies

• Disclosure of lived experience in professional or clinical contexts

• Other dissertation projects grounded in lived experience perspectives

Projects may be qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, or program-focused, provided they align with the program’s goals.

Grant Funding Details

Award Amount

• Grant size: USD 1,000

• Number of awards: One award per funding cycle

Allowable Use of Funds

Funding is limited to direct dissertation research costs, including:

• Participant compensation or incentives

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

• Travel required to conduct research or disseminate findings

• Non-PI personnel stipend or salary support

• Supplemental training required for project execution

• Open-access fees

• Publication and dissemination costs

• PI stipend or salary support, when clearly justified

All budget items must directly support successful execution of the dissertation project.

Costs Not Allowed

The grant does not support:

• Organizational indirect, administrative, or overhead costs

• Tuition or academic fees

• Costs unrelated to the approved dissertation research

If an institution accepts funds on behalf of the recipient, it must formally confirm that all indirect or overhead costs are waived, ensuring the full award benefits the project.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Academic and Program Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a current doctoral student in:

  • Clinical psychology

  • Counseling psychology

  • Community psychology

• Be actively completing their dissertation research

• Identify as having lived experience

• Serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the project

Institutional Affiliation

To receive funding, applicants must be affiliated with:

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

• A governmental entity operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes

Diversity and Inclusion

The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including variation in:

• Age

• Race and ethnicity

• Religion and creed

• Nationality

• Ability

• Sexual orientation and gender identity

• Geographic location

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 added, if relevant

• The PI remains the primary point of contact for:

  • Grant management

  • Financial oversight

  • Communication with the funder

Applicants are encouraged to share grant management responsibilities with their Co-PI where appropriate.

Why This Grant Matters

Dissertation research grounded in lived experience strengthens psychological science and practice by centering perspectives often excluded from traditional research models.

This grant matters because it:

• Supports emerging scholar-leaders with lived experience

• Promotes survivor- and peer-informed research methodologies

• Reduces financial barriers to dissertation completion

• Encourages ethical and inclusive knowledge production

• Strengthens dissemination of lived-experience-centered research

How to Apply

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Dissertation Research Grant Proposal

   • Clear alignment with lived experience fund goals

   • Description of research questions, methods, and expected outcomes

   • Explanation of how the project will generate impact

2. Project Timeline

   • Key dissertation milestones and activities

3. Detailed Budget with Justification

   • Direct costs only

   • Clear rationale explaining why each budget item is necessary

4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Academic background and relevant experience

Incomplete applications may be deemed ineligible.

Budget Justification Expectations

• Each budget line must demonstrate necessity to project success

• PI stipend or salary requests must be clearly justified

• Allocation of funds away from core research costs should be well explained

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including tuition or indirect costs in the budget

• Submitting a proposal not clearly connected to lived experience

• Failing to justify PI stipend or salary support

• Omitting required application materials

• Submitting unclear or weak budget rationales

Strong alignment with program goals and clear documentation improve application quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding does this grant provide?

The grant provides $1,000 to support direct dissertation research costs.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Doctoral students in clinical, counseling, or community psychology who identify as having lived experience and are completing their dissertations.

3. Are international doctoral students eligible?

Yes, if they meet all eligibility requirements and 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 with clear justification related to time commitment and methodology.

5. Are indirect or overhead costs allowed?

No. Only direct project costs are permitted.

6. Can tuition fees be included in the budget?

No. Tuition is not an allowable expense.

7. Can I include a Co-PI?

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

Conclusion

The Division 18 Lived Experience Fund Dissertation Research Grant Program provides targeted support for doctoral students conducting dissertation research rooted in lived experience.

By funding essential direct costs and prioritizing survivor- and peer-informed scholarship, the grant empowers emerging psychologists to complete meaningful dissertation research that advances ethical practice, inclusive knowledge, and real-world impact.

For more information, visit American Psychological Foundation.