The Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated encouraging the advancement of psychoanalysis by promoting research and psychoanalytic education and by promoting the application of psychoanalytic knowledge in service to the community. To accomplish its mission, the Foundation works closely with the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia (PCOP) which is the sole member of its corporation.
The Foundation funds various educational and research projects which support its mission. Among projects supported from the General Fund are Scientific Sessions and Workshops, a Child Care Colloquium, the Margaret Mahler Symposium, Freud, Franklin and Beyond, and other projects of PCOP. Scholarships for social work students enrolled in psychoanalytic or psychotherapy programs at PCOP are available from the Foundations Claffie Fund. The Harry L Friedberg Fund provides funding for film projects that advance understanding and/or application of psychoanalytic insights.
Psychoanalysis has been one of the great intellectual and therapeutic forces of the twentieth century. Psychoanalysis remains unparalleled in its ability to offer a rich and nuanced view of the human condition, as well as a respect for the complexity and uniqueness of each individual. It offers invaluable insights on a variety of issues:
Yet the funding for psychoanalytic treatment, research and training has been seriously reduced. As we enter the 21st century, the remarkable advances in psychobiology and psychopharmacology that have enhanced our ability to treat psychiatric disorders have also posed a threat both to psychoanalysis and to the entire field of mental health. Managed care companies have tried to promulgate the view that almost no one needs more than medication and brief psychotherapy. This economically motivated position has proved frustrating, unsatisfactory and even dangerous to many who suffer.
All grants are limited to specific projects or programs that encourage the advancement of psychoanalysis, applied psychoanalysis, innovative programs to enhance public awareness and advocacy for psychoanalysis in the community.
No grants are awarded only for overhead or general promotion of the recipient organization.
Preference in awarding grants will be given to the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia as the only member of the Foundation, although the Center will not be the exclusive recipient of grants.
Programs requesting funds independent of the Center must be, or operate under fiscal sponsorship of, a registered 501(c)3 organization.
The Foundation makes discretionary grants totaling not more than 5% of the average annual unrestricted fund balance as calculated at the end of the previous fiscal year.
Requests are considered at regular board meetings which are held on the 4th Monday of September, November, January, March, and May.
Requests must be submitted in writing before the 15th of the meeting month to begin the consideration process at that month's meeting. Grants received after the 15th may not be considered until the following month’s scheduled meeting.
Requests must include a description of the program (including need, goals, methods, time frame, etc), a detailed budget listing other source of funds (eg fees, other grant sources). Additional material may be requested as needed by the Board to evaluate the specific request.
Click Here for the Grant Application Template.
The Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Foundation is supported by gifts and bequests from individuals. Our goal is to establish an endowment which will provide a stable financial resource for PCOP, and which will enable the Foundation to support and encourage innovative programs that apply the insights of psychoanalysis to addressing important social and cultural problems, and advancing the field of psychoanalysis.
Tax deductible contributions can be sent to The Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Foundation, Rockland – East Fairmount Park, 3810 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121.