NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Funding the next generation of psychologists.
The APA Racial Equity Fund supports professional development for graduate students and early-career psychologists who are advancing knowledge production, educational and health equity, and workforce development in psychology through research, scholarship, and practice.
AWARD
Up to $2,500
APPLICATIONS OPEN
June 1, 2026
DEADLINE
September 1, 2026
ONE-TIME AWARD
$2,500
maximum per recipient
Eligible
Graduate students in psychology and early-career psychologists within 3 years of graduation from a doctorate.
Funding period
Spring–Summer 2027
(January 1–August 31, 2027)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
From organizational investment to individual opportunity.
The Racial Equity Fund supports organizations advancing work aligned with its priority areas—and now extends that commitment directly to individuals, funding graduate students and early-career psychologists who are advancing this work and shaping the future of the field.
01
Investing in the work that advances psychology
Conferences, training, scholarly communities, and professional networks are central to advancing meaningful work in psychology, yet they often require financial resources that place them out of reach. By offsetting these costs, this opportunity enables emerging psychologists to pursue professional development that strengthens their contributions to the field.
02
Support for the experiences that build careers
Rather than funding research projects directly, these grants support the experiences and infrastructure that help emerging psychologists build connections, develop skills, and contribute to the future of the field.
Funded activities should align with one or more
REF priority areas:
Priority 01
Knowledge Production
Priority 02
Health & Educational Equity
Priority 03
Workforce Development
ELIGIBILITY & USE OF FUNDS
Who can apply, and what the funds support.
Who can apply
You must meet all three criteria.
Graduate student or early-career psychologist
Master's or doctoral student in a regional and/or APA accredited psychology program, or ECP within 3 years of receiving a doctorate.
REF priority alignment
Activity supports Knowledge Production, Health & Educational Equity, or Workforce Development.
Spring–Summer 2027 window
Activity occurs between January 1 and August 31, 2027.
What funds support
Up to $2,500 for eligible professional development.
Eligible Uses:
- Conference travel and registration
- Travel related to professional and academic development opportunities
- Participation in academic and professional convenings
- Training and skill-building opportunities, including licensure preparation material, EPPP, and psychologist's licensure fee.
- Access to professional networks and scholarly communities
- Professional development activities that support career advancement and/or participation in programs relevant to building a career in psychology
READY TO APPLY
The application takes about 30–45 minutes.
Seven sections covering your background, proposed activity, and four short narrative responses. Save your progress and return at any time before September 1, 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know before applying.
If you don't find your answer here, email REF@apa.org, or join one of our info sessions on June 16 or July 16.
About the Program
How has the fund expanded?
The Racial Equity Fund has expanded to support individuals directly. Alongside its grants to organizations, the fund now offers opportunities for graduate students and early-career psychologists advancing knowledge production, educational and health equity, and workforce development in psychology through research, scholarship, and practice. These awards fund professional development activities—such as conferences, training, and participation in scholarly communities—that strengthen a recipient's contribution to the field and broader community.
What are the REF priority areas?
Funded activities should align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Knowledge Production
- Health and Educational Equity
- Workforce Development
Your application narrative should make a clear, specific connection between your proposed activity and at least one priority area.
How much funding can I receive?
Awards are up to $2,500. This is a one-time award.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
You are eligible if you meet ALL of the following:
- You are either a graduate student in psychology (master's or doctoral program), OR an early-career psychologist within three years of receiving a doctoral degree in psychology.
- You are actively enrolled at an APA accredited academic institution situated within the United States of America
- Your proposed activity aligns with at least one REF priority area.
- Your proposed activity takes place between January 1, 2027, and August 31, 2027.
I'm a first-year graduate student. Can I apply?
Yes. There is no minimum year requirement for graduate students. Master's and doctoral students at any stage of their program are eligible if they meet all other criteria.
I'm a postdoctoral fellow. Am I considered an early-career psychologist?
Yes, postdoctoral fellows count as early-career psychologists for this program, provided you are within three years of receiving your doctoral degree.
Do I need to be an APA member to apply?
No. APA membership is not required.
Using the funds
What kinds of activities are eligible?
Funds may support activities including:
- Conference travel and registration
- Travel for professional and academic development opportunities
- Participation in academic and professional development and convenings
- Training and skill-building opportunities, including licensure preparation material, EPPP, and psychologist’s licensure fee.
- Engagement with professional networks and scholarly communities
- Other professional development activities that support career advancement and/or participation in programs relevant to building a career in psychology
Can I use the funds for a virtual conference?
Yes, virtual conference registration and related costs are allowable expenses.
My conference is in September 2027. Is that eligible?
No. The funding period ends August 31, 2027. The activity must occur on or before that date.
The Application
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the REF website. The application opens June 1, 2026, and closes September 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
When is the deadline?
September 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late applications will not be reviewed.
How long does the application take?
Most applicants complete the form in 30–45 minutes. You can save your progress and return later. We recommend reviewing the application questions in advance and drafting your narrative responses offline.
Do I need a letter of recommendation?
No. The application asks for your academic advisor, or supervisor’s name and contact information so we can verify your affiliation, but no formal letter of recommendation is required.
Can I submit more than one application?
No. Each applicant may submit only one application per cycle. If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent will be reviewed.
What happens after I submit?
You will receive an automated acknowledgement email. APA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Office will confirm receipt and conduct an initial eligibility check within 2 weeks. You may be contacted if any information is missing.
Will I get feedback if my application is not selected?
Individual reviewer feedback is not provided. All applicants will receive a notification by mid-October 2026 with their status.
Selection & Notification
Who reviews applications?
Applications are reviewed by a committee of psychologists and graduate students in psychology representing diverse career stages, institutions, and areas of psychology.
When will I know if I was selected?
An email notification will be sent in October 2026 to both selected and non-selected applicants.
If I'm selected, when do I receive the funds?
Funds are disbursed upfront in October 2026, after you sign the acceptance form and complete required documentation.
What are my reporting requirements?
Recipients are required to submit:
- Quarterly utilization documentation (receipts and a brief summary of activities supported) during the funding period
- A brief impact report after the funded activity is complete
APA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Executive Office will send reminders and provide reporting templates.
Getting Help
I have a question that's not answered here. Who do I contact?
Please send an email to REF@apa.org. The inbox is monitored daily. You can also attend one of our applicant info sessions for live Q&A.
When are the info sessions?
Two info sessions are scheduled:
Are info sessions recorded?
Yes. Recordings will be posted on the REF website after each session for applicants who cannot attend live.
