Foundation Offers Grants To Trauma-Related Projects

The psychiatric and emotional toll of the terrorist attacks of September 11 is enormous, impacting the mental health of millions of people in New York, Washington, D.C., and across the nation. The trauma will be felt for months and years to come.

In the wake of these attacks, the American Psychiatric Foundation, the charitable arm of APA, is seeking to provide grant support to community and local organizations that are providing psychological support and counseling to those affected by the terrorist attack. Specifically, the foundation is interested in providing support to organizations in the following areas:

• Activities that link communities and organizations together to provide support networks for individuals coping with the psychiatric and emotional impact of the attacks. Innovative programs that use technologic advancements such as teleconferencing to reach broader audiences are of special interest to the foundation.

• Activities that educate the public about the psychiatric and emotional impact of the attacks, the importance of seeking help and where they can seek support, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

• Activities that help educate teachers, guidance counselors, religious leaders, police, and other community leaders to recognize individuals in emotional distress, provide support, and provide referrals to the appropriate mental health practitioners.

• School- and community-based activities geared specifically toward helping children understand the psychiatric and emotional impact of the attacks, the importance of seeking help, and where and how they can seek support.

Grants will be awarded to organizations designated as 501(c)(3) organizations by the IRS. The foundation will consider grant requests up to $35,000. Proposals should be no more than three pages in length (excluding CVs, budget, and other attachments) and must include the following:

• Description of the project, including its methodology, significance, and intended audience.

• Background information on the requesting organization, including evidence of 501(c)(3) status.

• Detailed budget.

• CVs of key project staff.

One original and six copies of the proposal should be sent to Barbara Matos, American Psychiatric Foundation, 1400 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005. Faxes and e-mails of proposals cannot be accepted. ▪