Bruce and Jane Walsh Grant in Memory of John Holland

The Bruce and Jane Walsh Grant in Memory of John Holland is administered by the American Psychological Foundation (APF), an organization dedicated to promoting equitable and accessible funding for psychological research aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities. The APF supports initiatives that contribute to the development of psychology as a science and profession, particularly those that explore the interactions between psychological and environmental factors. This grant supports scientific, scholarly, or applied research and educational activities that examine how personality, culture, and environment affect work behavior and health, encompassing both mental and physical dimensions. It was established in honor of John Holland, a prominent psychologist renowned for his Theory of Vocational Choice and the Holland Codes (RIASEC). These codes articulate how various personality types align with vocational paths, emphasizing the fit between individuals and their work environments. The funding opportunity is particularly aimed at early career psychologists, defined as those within ten years of completing their postdoctoral training. Projects favored include pilot studies that could later attract major funding and demonstration projects with potential to be generalized across geographic or institutional settings. The intention is to support innovative work that contributes meaningfully to the field and could scale to broader applications. To be eligible, applicants must be graduate students or early career researchers affiliated with nonprofit, educational, scientific, or governmental institutions that operate for charitable and educational purposes. They must also demonstrate the competence and capacity to carry out the proposed work. APF emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive package including a project proposal, timeline, detailed budget with justification, and a CV. Evaluations will consider the project's goals, innovation, methodology, applicant competence, and the necessity of the funding. Detailed application instructions are available through the APF’s GivingData portal, and queries can be directed to programs@ampsychfdn.org. The grant awards one recipient $21,500, and the application deadline is set for September 18, 2025. Previous recipients include Dr. Kerrie Wilkins-Yel of the University of Massachusetts Boston for her project on the mental health impacts of gendered racism on Black women in the workplace.