Apply for a Grant

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The Mental Research Institute provides grants to fund breakthrough research projects that use an interactional approach to facilitate healthy relationships. Before applying, please insure that your research project is aligned with MRI’s mission “to explore and support the development of innovative interactional, systemic approaches to understanding and improving human relationships.”

Funding from MRI will range up to $75K based on the grant type, availability of funds, and the scope of the project.

Please review our grant types and application process below.

Phase 1

  1. Applicant Submits Grant Application

    • Applications accepted on a rolling basis

  2. MRI Reviews Phase 1 Application

    • Review process usually takes 4 weeks

  3. MRI Informs Applicant of Decision

    • If application is accepted, invited to Phase 2

    • If application is not accepted, applicant will be eligible to re-apply 12 months from declination date

PHASE 2

  1. MRI Invites Applicant to Submit Phase 2 Application

    • Detailed Research Proposal

      Detailed Budget

      Timeline

  2. Applicant Submits Phase 2 Application

  3. MRI Reviews Phase 2 Application

  4. MRI Informs Applicant of Decision

    • Informed within 2 weeks of review date

    • If proposal is not accepted, applicant will be eligible to re-apply 12-months from declination date

APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED ON A ROLLING MONTHLY BASIS.

Grant-making Guidelines

The Mental Research Foundation - MRI reviews grant applications from nonprofit organizations in the United States. In addition, we evaluate whether an organization has established best practices as it relates to diversity, financial sustainability, infrastructure, board governance, staff development, programs, services, collaboration, and networks with peers.

We receive many more requests for funding than we can support. Only those that effectively address our grant-making guidelines and align with our mission will be considered.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for a grant if:

  • You are employed by a 501(c)(3) organization or have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

  • You have not submitted a proposal which has been declined in the last 12 months.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. How can we increase our chances of earning a grant?

A. Demonstrate clearly how your project is consistent with the MRI’s mission “to explore and support the development of innovative interactional, systemic approaches to understanding and improving human relationships.”

Q. Will the MRI grant be enough to fund our entire project?

A. An MRI grant can fund a stand alone study or it can be used to expand or add a component to a larger research project.

Q. Do the grants cover indirect costs?

A. MRI grants shall not be used to pay for indirect costs and no overhead of grant monies is to be taken out by institutions (i.e. accounting and legal expenses, administrative salaries, office expenses, rent, security expenses, telephone expenses, and utilities).

Q. What direct costs can be covered by the grants?

A. The grants can be used for, and are not limited to, salaries for research assistants, participant payments, supplies, technology expenses (software, hardware, imaging, etc.), travel to conduct research, travel to disseminate findings, stipend/salary support, course buy out and supplemental training.

Q. When is the Cut-off date for grant applications?

A. Proposals are normally reviewed on a rolling monthly basis.

Q. When will we know if our applications has been accepted for review?

A. You will receive an email shortly after submission indicating that MRI has received your application.

Q. My application will not upload. Are there other ways to submit it?

A. You can scan your application and attachments and email to mri@mri.org.

Q. How do you make sure a grant is being spent as proposed?

A. Once the project is approved, we will ask you to sign an agreement describing how we will follow-up with you and track the progress of your research.

Q. Where can I learn more about MRI’s history?

A. Our archives are available from the Stanford University Librarie’s Special Collections. Articles and books by MRI’s founders are available on-line.

If you have a question that is not answered, please email mri@mri.org.


 

 

Our Priorities

 

We support innovative research, and educational projects that advance interactional approaches to improving relationships in in-person and virtual milieus in such areas as:

  • Couples and Families

  • Communities

  • Educational settings

  • Healthcare settings

  • Work environments

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We prioritize work that has both a powerful local effect and inspires others on a broader scale.

We seek out and support projects of different sizes and scope. We do not provide general operating support but do provide project support grants. Grant decisions are guided by our mission and rooted in relationships of trust.

Awards are made to organizations and projects with the following characteristics:

• Are US-based
• Have leadership that is both visionary and grounded
• Foster leadership in others, especially among younger generations and across generations
• Are well-managed, with clear results
• Use communications to connect and inspire beyond a single community

Current and returning grantees:

Grants are generally awarded for a one-year grant period. Returning grantees are eligible to reapply for funding after the current grant period ends and the final report is submitted and approved by the Foundation.

Researchers who have received two consecutive grants must wait twelve months from the end of their second grant period before applying for a new grant.

Fiscally sponsored organizations:

Further information may be requested at a later date on the fiscal sponsor.

National or international organizations:

Please fill out the application with information pertinent to the local or regional office carrying out the work. Further information about the organization may be requested at a later date.