Call for Proposals

Program Overview

The Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence: Peace Psychology Division invites applications for the Pathways of Just Peace Small Grants Program. This program supports research, educational, practice/action initiatives that advance the principles of justice as an essential foundation for peace. We believe that genuine and lasting peace can only emerge from the pursuit of justice. Justice requires dismantling systems of oppression, addressing historical inequalities, and fostering transformative processes that repair harm and foster self-determination.

Through this program, we offer support and stand in solidarity with individuals and communities impacted by violence (direct, structural, cultural and epistemic), armed conflict, occupation, persecution, and environmental catastrophes worldwide. We recognize the profound struggles people face and honor their resilience, with the hope that these grants will contribute to their efforts toward resistance, healing, and transformation.

Our commitment is to foster the development of peace psychology as a pathway to achieve justice, equity, and sustainable peace through research, education, practice/action and/or community-based initiatives. We invite applications from researchers, educators, and practitioners worldwide, prioritizing projects that ensure that those most harmed by injustices are at the center of the work. While all relevant topics are welcome, we are especially interested in projects that embrace decolonial and decolonizing approaches, tackle the global rise of fascism and authoritarianism, and challenge the widespread impact of the military-industrial complex.

In offering these grants, we reaffirm our belief in the transformative power of peace psychology to confront injustice and contribute to sustainable peace. Together, we can envision and strive towards peace – not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived, embodied process rooted in justice, liberation, and collective thriving.

AWARD DETAILS

What size grant is available? Grants are between $500 and $7,500. Since funding is modest, we will consider supporting specific segments of larger projects. In such cases, applicants must provide an overview of their larger project, while clearly delineating which specific components they are seeking funding for through this grant.

What is the timeframe of the award? The maximum grant period is up to 18 months starting from the announcement of awards.

What expenses are eligible for funding through this grant? Grant funding may be used for a range of project expenses such as project-related travel (other than to conferences and conventions), websites, honoraria, staff/clerical /research assistance, dissemination materials, and other budgeted expenses approved by the Small Grants Committee. Please review the Resource Guidefor more details.

What expenses are NOT eligible for funding through this grant? Grant funding may not be used for institutional charges for administration of the grant, organizational/operational costs, travel to conferences or conventions, stipends for principal investigators or project directors, or living expenses while conducting the project.

Is there a limit on the number of grant applications one can submit? Yes, an individual can submit only one application regardless of role (primary/lead or as part of a team).

Who is eligible to apply? Applications are welcome from individuals and organizations worldwide. We especially encourage submissions from those engaged in grassroots work and social movements, as well as early career scholars and practitioners. There are no geographic restrictions on eligibility. Applicants must be members of Division 48 (membership of APA not required): http://peacepsychology.org/join-apadiv48.

Who is not eligible?

• Individuals/groups who have received a Division 48 small grant within the last three years (2023-2025)

• Current members of the Division 48 Small Grants Program

• Current members of the Division 48 Executive Committee

What is the award decision timeframe? Applications will be accepted through 11:59pm onJune 1, 2026 (Eastern Time), with decisions announced on or before August 15, 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

• Download the 2026 Resource Guide here.  The guide includes detailed information about the application process along with relevant resources and dates for information/support sessions. It outlines the application form, instructions on how to fill it out, proposal templates, sample budgets, evaluation criteria, and additional resources to help align the application with program priorities. Please review the resource guide carefully completing the online application form.

• 2026 Online Application Form. Please review the application form walkthrough provided in the Resource Guide before filling out the application.

• Review and Download Templates. Applicants are required to upload a proposal narrative and CV/resume of the primary investigator or project lead. Please review proposal formats to determine what is most suited for your project.

PAST AWARDEES

2025 Pathways to Just Peace Small Grant Awardees

List of Division 48 Small Grant Awardees 2018 to 2024

QUESTIONS?

Contact Small Grants Committee Chair, Dr. Urmitapa Dutta (urmitapa_dutta@uml.edu) and Grants Coordinator Dr. Ireri Bernal (ireri_bernal@uml.edu).

2026 INFORMATION/SUPPORT SESSIONS

2026 Pathways to Just Peace Small Grants Program Information Session

April 3, 2026, 10–11AM Eastern

Registration link: bit.ly/Div48-grants-info (You will receive the zoom link once you register).

Drop-in Hour with Grants Coordinator

Ireri Bernal will be available to support with questions, guidance, tips, and tech support. (Advance registration NOT required.)

April 21, 2026, 10–11AM Eastern and May 22, 2026 10–11AM Eastern

Zoom Link: bit.ly/Div48-grant-support