The American Psychological Association (APA) has announced the launch of a $1.1 million Racial Equity Fund.

The fund, which will be housed at and administered by the Tides Foundation, will support research and initiatives that strategically align with the goals outlined in the association’s Racial Equity Action Plan. The American Psychological Foundation will play a key role distributing fellowships, grants, and awards to qualified individuals and organizations that can advance the goals of the fund, while overseeing grantee projects.

The concept of the fund emerged from APA’s 2021 apology to people of color, which addressed the organization’s role in promoting, perpetuating, and failing to challenge racism, racial discrimination, and human hierarchy in the United States.

“The Racial Equity Fund will live in perpetuity and, through the grantmaking process, will support the work of those who are focused on truly advancing racial equity,” said Maysa Akbar, APA’s chief of psychology in the public interest and chief diversity officer. “Overall, the fund’s mission and broader strategic goals reflect a deep commitment to reconciliation and repair, while promoting social justice and working to create a more equitable society.”

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