At the American Psychological Foundation, we are revolutionizing the future of psychology with the support of donors, grantees and valued community members. Together, we are reimagining ways psychology and philanthropy can intersect and change the world for the better.
Mission
We leverage the power of philanthropy to advance psychological knowledge by investing in innovative research and applications that prioritize people and their wellbeing.
Vision
A world where people are healthy, happy, and living with dignity.
Values
Our values encapsulate how we do our work and are woven throughout all of APF’s activities and initiatives.
Deepening Research & Data
Our programs have at their core a dedication to deepening the body of research available in the field of psychology. This dedication to science ensures that the impact of APF funding will be felt for generations to come.
Breaking Systemic Barriers & Advancing a Just Society
We’re committed to pursuing equity in the field and increasing the accessibility of psychological knowledge. This means a focus on making funding more accessible and identifying ways to disseminate and implement knowledge in practical ways.
Forward Thinking
We’re dedicated to investing in the future of psychology, supporting the future of the profession and the professionals who build it, and working to drive progress and innovation.
Diversity
We know that diversity is what makes us strong. Having a team with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences helps us to better serve our grantees and the communities they work in. We are committed to building a diverse team where everyone is valued, treated with respect, and given an environment they need to thrive.
Care
As an organization with a stake in the future of psychology, we lead by example and put people first. We are dedicated to implementing psychological principles throughout our work and supporting our team and partners as whole people with multidimensional lives.
Accountability
Our work inherently requires a great deal of trust, and we are dedicated to ensuring we are accountable in our practices. We are committed to transparency, ethical practices, and social responsibility in everything we do.
Excellence
In everything we do, we strive for excellence. Our team is dedicated to offering the highest standard of care and professionalism throughout our initiatives.
Visionary Priorities
These topics indicate areas the APF Board of Trustees have identified as priorities for funding and other initiatives. Read on below for more on what these priorities mean at APF.
Serve Marginalized Communities
End Prejudice & Stigma
Prevent Violence
Address Mind-Body Health Connections
Serve Marginalized Communities
Psychology has a responsibility to advocate for equity, safety, and mental health support for all human beings. Science has long relied on the experience of the majority to dictate standards of care and understanding of experiences, often disregarding the unique challenges faced by other communities. APF is committed to broadening the body of research and evidence-based interventions to serve all people, including specific interventions to meet identified needs of marginalized populations.
End Prejudice & Stigma
APF believes that evidence-based psychological knowledge is key to combating prejudice and stigma. Through innovative research and interventions, the Foundation is committed to educating, changing minds, and supporting communities and populations dealing with prejudice, bias, intolerance, and all forms of bigotry including racism, antisemitism, homophobia, and misogyny.
Prevent Violence
The seeds of violence are planted long before the actual act, and the psychological impact of experiencing, witnessing, and being constantly bombarded by images and stories of violence is far reaching. By funding innovative approaches to preventing violence, APF seeks to address and prevent its ripple effects and impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Address Mind-Body Health Connections
Science has barely scratched the surface of how mental health, culture, environment, and other factors impact physical health. APF is dedicated to funding projects exploring these social and ecological determinants of health and how evidence-based psychological knowledge can improve well-being.