Psychology, Philanthropy, & Pride

Philanthropy with Faith is a space for APF’s Managing Director & Head of Philanthropy to share insights and observations on the evolving landscape of fundraising and giving, updates to APF initiatives, and how psychology and philanthropy can work together to create a world where people are healthy, happy, and living with dignity.

Pride at APF
At the American Psychological Foundation (APF), supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is an ongoing commitment we uphold every day. For decades, APF has proudly funded research grants, awards, congressional fellowships, and numerous other programs that are meant to uplift and create a more inclusive future for queer people. 

This legacy of support continues with exciting new initiatives like the Springfield Town Hall, a space that brings together psychologists, mental health professionals, and allies to openly discuss how psychology can meaningfully support the LGBTQIA+ community and the clinicians and researchers who work alongside them. To learn more about how APF is investing in LGBTQIA+ psychology and what’s on the horizon, check out this blog post by Dr. Derek Phillips, chair of APF’s Franklyn Springfield Awareness Fund Committee. This committee is dedicated to funding efforts to disseminate information to combat stigma and discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The Role of Philanthropy in Allyship
Pride is a time to honor identity, visibility, and progress within the community. It’s also a time to reflect on the responsibility that comes with allyship, particularly for those in positions of privilege. True allyship calls for advocacy, accountability, and creating opportunities for those who have been historically excluded.

Advocacy can take many forms. It’s in how we spend our time, use our voices, and invest our resources. Philanthropy, whether through financial support, volunteering your time, or amplifying marginalized voices, is one of the most powerful ways to turn that support into meaningful change. Supporting LGBTQIA+ initiatives through philanthropic giving helps fund the research, programs, and outreach that build community, promote inclusion, and break down stigma.

At APF, none of our research grants, scholarships, or fellowships would exist without the generosity of our philanthropic partners. These initiatives don’t just support the queer community during pride – they protect and elevate the community year-round. While there are many ways to show support, financial and volunteer contributions in philanthropy are a crucial tool for advancing the equity, visibility, and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people.

Psychology’s Role in LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
APF believes that psychology plays a critical role in supporting and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community. Historically, queer voices were intentionally excluded entirely from mainstream psychological research and clinical spaces. Now, the field has the responsibility and opportunity to help fill these historical gaps by prioritizing LGBTQIA+ research and supporting the people behind it.

Psychological research that centers queer experiences is essential for creating inclusive, evidence-based policies and interventions. It helps combat stigma & discrimination and deepen the understanding of the unique challenges and resilience experienced by queer communities. Psychology provides critical tools to build affirming environments, address mental and physical health disparities, and drive impactful change. 

Join Us!
Showing up for LGBTQIA+ people is a year-round responsibility and a privilege that requires action, advocacy, and investment. By investing in APF, you are directly supporting the critical research, amplifying the voices, and advancing the programs that are building a world where people are healthy, happy, and living with dignity. Together, we can use the power of psychology and philanthropy to consistently and proudly show up for the queer people within our field and beyond.