Annual awards for professional level research.

Facilitating research in public relations has been part of the Foundation's mission since its establishment.  Each year, the Foundation awards cash prizes to researchers who advance the understanding of the profession and human behavior.

Jackson Jackson and Wagner Behavioral Science Prize is sponsored by a $35,000 endowment in celebration of the 35th anniversary of Jackson Jackson and Wagner, Exeter, New Hampshire. The Prize recognizes individual behavioral science researchers whose scholarly work enhances the understanding of the concepts and theories that contribute to the effectiveness of public relations practice. By offering recognition and the award, the prize embraces the applicability and importance of behavioral science findings to the public relations practice and encourages public relations practitioners to apply such research in their work. Recipients of the award receive a $1,000 cash prize and plaque during the PRSA International Conference each year.

The PRSA Foundation also considers proposals from researchers, graduate and doctoral level students, and professionals for research grants. For more information, please contact the PRSA Foundation at foundation@prsa.org or (212) 460-1412.

College of Fellows Endowment Fund

In 2007, the PRSA College of Fellows will be conducting the College of Fellows Endowment to provide funding to secure top quality speakers and programs for the professional development of senior practitioners, educators and Fellows.  The fund has a goal of five million dollars and the endowment began in 2006 with a solicitation of all members of the College of Fellows.

Support programs may include:

• Scholarships for symposium
• Support of Fellowship (practicum experience) programs for mid-level practitioners and educators at top corporations and firms
• Support of management research of clear benefit to the profession
• Preparation of public relations management training materials for use by public relations students, educators and practitioners nationally

For additional information or to find out how to make a contribution to the College of Fellows Endowment, please contact the PRSA Foundation at (212) 460-1412 or foundation@prsa.org.

Over $20,000 in scholarships are given each year to students for undergraduate level studies in public relations.

The Foundation invests in the future of the profession by awarding scholarships to outstanding university students studying public relations For a complete list of scholarships. [read more]

In 2005, the PRSA Foundation will launch a major fundraising campaign to establish its first scholarship endowment. [read more]

Mission Statement: 

The mission of the PRSA Foundation is to support the public relations profession through fundraising for public relations research, academic programs, diversity initiatives, career education and scholarships. 

Vision Statement: 

The PRSA Foundation, by providing financial support for the advancement of the public relations profession, will help it to achieve academic and professional stature commensurate with that enjoyed by the financial and human resource functions in corporations, government and non-profit organizations, enrich the profession's overall reputation, expand its impact, and increase recognition of public relations professionals as valued members of the senior management team.  

Giving Areas

The PRSA Foundation allocates its funding in the following areas: