American Psychiatric Association Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,974,343 (2023)
• Success Rate: ~3-9% for competitive grants; ~30% for fellowships
• Decision Time: 2-4 months
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: United States (national)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.apaf.org
General Email: apafoundation@psych.org
Awards Email: apafawards@psych.org
Fellowships Email: fellowships@psych.org
Phone: Not publicly listed
Address: 800 Maine Avenue, S.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC 20024
Application Portal: https://apply.psychiatry.org

Overview

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), founded in 1991, serves as the philanthropic and educational arm of the American Psychiatric Association. With a $60 million endowment supporting its core fellowship programs and an additional $2.5-$3.5 million raised annually for grants and awards, the Foundation distributed $1,974,343 in grants during 2023. APAF's mission is to promote mental health and well-being of individuals and communities, with a vision to create a mentally healthy nation for all. The Foundation operates comprehensive programs across multiple sectors including schools, faith communities, workplaces, the justice system, and with athletes and the entertainment industry. Under Executive Director Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. (appointed 2021), APAF has expanded its impact through strategic partnerships and earned a 4-star rating (96%) from Charity Navigator.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program: Up to $10,000 over two years for community organizations providing innovative mental health awareness programs and services for young people of color. Applications accepted August 1 - September 30 annually through online portal.

Helping Hands Grants Program: Up to $5,000 per project for medical student-led mental health and substance use disorder projects in underserved communities. Applications accepted February - May annually through online portal.

Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health: $5,000 per award plus recognition for community organizations with innovative efforts in underserved minority communities. Applications accepted November 1 - January 31 annually through online portal.

Fellowship Programs: Nine different fellowship programs for psychiatry residents and early-career psychiatrists, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Single annual application cycle with March 16, 2026 deadline for 2025-2026 cycle.

Priority Areas

• Mental health equity for young people of color
• Underserved and minority communities
• Substance use disorder awareness and treatment
• Medical student engagement in psychiatry
• Psychiatric research and innovation
• Culturally competent psychiatric care
• Workplace mental health
• Faith-based mental health initiatives
• Justice system mental health services

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations without IRS 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) tax-exempt status
• Organizations that discriminate based on protected characteristics
• Capital improvement initiatives
• Organizations operational for less than two consecutive years

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. (appointed 2021), who emphasizes coalition building: "In coalition, we bring these constituencies together and discover a power to be harnessed that can have a more widespread impact."

Key Staff:

• Dr. Camille Bryan: Senior Program Manager directing fellowships and medical student programs
• Heidi Christensen, M.T.S.: Director, Center for Workplace Mental Health
• Shayla Gerity: Program Manager, Center for Workplace Mental Health
• Victoria Borton: Foundation Partnerships Officer

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications submitted through online portal at apply.psychiatry.org. Each program has specific annual application windows:

• MOORE Equity Grants: August 1 - September 30
• Helping Hands Grants: February - May
• Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health: November 1 - January 31
• Fellowships: Single annual cycle (2026 deadline: March 16)

Decision Timeline

• MOORE Equity Grants: Decisions announced mid-November; funding available January 1
• Helping Hands Grants: Decisions announced July; funding available September 1
• Awards: Recipients notified March; awards presented at APA Annual Meeting
• Fellowships: All applicants notified via email in May

Success Rates

Highly competitive - MOORE Equity program received 158+ applications for 5-14 awards in recent cycles (3-9% success rate). Fellowship programs have higher success rates (approximately 30% based on 200 fellows funded bi-annually).

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions documented. Applicants encouraged to strengthen applications and reapply in subsequent cycles.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate Innovation: APAF specifically seeks "innovative awareness programs." Recent winners created unique programs like teen-led mental health clubs and improvisational theater for criminal justice populations.
• Show Sustainability: Applications must include "a scalable and sustainable plan" demonstrating how programs will continue beyond the grant period.
• Evidence of Impact: Provide concrete data on populations served. Winner Therapy Resource Group highlighted supporting "over 200 individuals through 2,050 free or reduced-cost sessions."
• Cultural Competence: Successful applications demonstrate understanding of specific cultural communities served and employ culturally appropriate interventions.
• Commitment to Participation: MOORE Equity grantees must commit to quarterly virtual meetings.
• Strong Letters of Recommendation: For fellowships, references must come from psychiatrists, preferably current training directors.
• Leadership Track Record: Evidence of leadership in psychiatric pursuits and involvement in professional organizations valued for fellowship applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Align with Equity Mission: Programs overwhelmingly prioritize mental health equity for young people of color and underserved communities
• Competition is Intense: With 158+ applications for 5-14 awards, applications must stand out through innovation and demonstrated impact
• Youth Focus is Critical: Multiple programs specifically target young people - center youth voice, leadership, and empowerment
• Partnership Matters: Executive Director emphasizes coalition building - demonstrate collaborative approaches
• Multiple Entry Points: Don't overlook the full portfolio of fellowships, research funding, community grants, and awards
• Strict Deadlines: With specific annual cycles for each program, plan ahead and don't miss application windows
• Portal Proficiency Required: All submissions through apply.psychiatry.org - familiarize yourself before deadlines as DRAFT applications not considered

References

1. American Psychiatric Association Foundation official website - https://www.apaf.org - Accessed February 24, 2026
2. APAF Grants and Awards page - https://www.apaf.org/our-programs/grants-and-awards/ - Accessed February 24, 2026
3. APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program - https://www.apaf.org/our-programs/grants-and-awards/grants/the-moore-equity-in-mental-health-community-grants-program/ - Accessed February 24, 2026
4. APAF Fellowship Programs - https://www.apaf.org/fellowships/ - Accessed February 24, 2026
5. American Psychiatric Association Foundation application portal - https://apply.psychiatry.org - Accessed February 24, 2026
6. Charity Navigator Profile for APAF - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/130433740 - Accessed February 24, 2026
7. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - American Psychiatric Association Foundation - Accessed February 24, 2026
8. Inside Philanthropy: "Inside the American Psychiatric Association Foundation's Mental Health Funding" - Accessed February 24, 2026
9. APA/APAF Press Release: "Rawle Andrews, Jr., Esq., Named Executive Director" - Accessed February 24, 2026
10. APA/APAF Press Release: "Recipients of 2025 MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program" - Accessed February 24, 2026
11. APA Foundation: "2025 Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health" - Accessed February 24, 2026
12. APAF Fellowship FAQs - https://www.apaf.org/fellowships/frequently-asked-questions/ - Accessed February 24, 2026
13. Psychiatry.org Available APA/APAF Fellowships - https://www.psychiatry.org/residents-medical-students/residents/fellowships/available-apa-apaf-fellowships - Accessed February 24, 2026