Funding Opportunities
John and Polly Sparks Grant for Rural First-Responders Mental Health Interventions
The John and Polly Sparks First-Responder Grant for Rural First-Responders Mental Health Interventions will fund the research of psychologists for evidence-based research and intervention in providing mental health training dissemination to first responders in rural areas.
The John and Polly Sparks First-Responder Grant will fund research to examine evidence-based interventions to protect the mental health of first responders in rural areas, conducted by psychologists. APF seeks projects whose results can be replicated throughout the targeted demographic. APF seeks to fund projects that will have an impact on the field and aims for the “multiplier effect,” that is, the ability of researchers to leverage the John and Polly Sparks grant by identifying further funding to expand their projects and increase the impact.
Eligibility
APF encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds with respect to age, race, color, religion, creed, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender, and geography.
Applicants must have a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field.
Application Instructions
Application Materials:
- project proposal
- timeline of proposed project
- detailed budget and justification
- CV
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated on:
- conformance with the stated program goals
- applicant’s demonstrated competence and capability to execute the proposed research
- quality and impact
- innovation, originality, and contribution to the field
Please be advised that APF does not provide feedback to applicants on their proposals.
Please review our program FAQs for important details on the application process.
Recent Recipient
Dr. Nancy Ryba Panza
CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation
“Annual Wellness Visits for Law Enforcement Officers: Early Program Evaluation Data from Two Rural Law Enforcement Agencies.”
Past Recipients
2023
Dr. Nancy Ryba Panza, CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation
“Annual Wellness Visits for Law Enforcement Officers: Early Program Evaluation Data from Two Rural Law Enforcement Agencies.”
Dr. Kee Jeong Kim, Virginia Tech
“Unsung Rural Heroes: Trauma Survivors Turned Trauma-Informed First Responders.”