The Foundation’s goal is to fund significant research projects that will generate findings that impact the entire public relations profession and thus, its ability to serve the public good.

In 2009, the Foundation awarded $20,000 to the Commission on Public Relations Education for a study of PR education programs around the world.  This project, which involved working with members of Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, aimed to enhance professional standards at all levels of practice by creating an information base on how public relations is taught around the world.   Linda Aldoory, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of communication at the University of Maryland, directed the three-phase project. Elizabeth L. Toth, Ph.D.,  APR, Fellow PRSA, chair of the department, advised the project. Click here to read the report.

Another report funded in part by the PRSA Foundation, Philanthropy for Public Relations Education, presents research by Dr. Kathleen S. Kelly, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, and professor in the Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communications, at the University of Florida.  Kelly has updated an earlier report from the Commission on Public Relations Education.  She finds that total philanthropic support dedicated to public relations education has reached at least $15 million. Click here to read the report.

The PRSA Foundation is committed to funding research that fosters understanding  of public relations and the role that the profession can play in helping to address societal issues. 

Each year, the Foundation will proactively seek out projects or partners for initiatives that it deems to be of value to its mission.  For the 2010 fiscal year, the Foundation has budgeted $20,000 for the support of research projects.

As a guide to parties seeking grants, below are the criteria and procedures for grant requests.  Parties seeking grants should be aware that the Foundation’s philosophy is to fund a few significant initiatives rather than a larger number of small projects. 

To be considered for funding from the PRSA Foundation, research projects must meet the following criteria:

• The objectives and expected outcomes of the research must align with and further the priorities of the PRSA Foundation Strategic Plan.
• The research must have national or international implications and have the potential to positively impact the practice of public relations, the public understanding of the industry, or the reputation of the industry and its practitioners.
• The research and its outcomes must add value to Foundation advancement efforts.

Each grant request must be accompanied by:

• An abstract of the project including budget (250 words or less)
• A proposal that articulates the following:
  • Purpose and potential impact of the research
  • Method and sampling procedures
  • Specific deliverables and timetable for release of funds based on completion of deliverables
  • How the project will be staffed and what percentage of work and budget will be accounted for by each individual or class of individuals involved
  • Timeline for execution, analysis and reporting of results
  • Detailed budget and portion of budget requested from PRSA Foundation and other funding sources
• Commitment to specific progress report dates tied to release of funds
• CV or resumes of the individuals who will be conducting the research and identification of any assistants who will be involved with specification of their roles

Submissions must be no longer than ten pages double spaced excluding CVs.

Preference will be given to projects that represent partnerships with significant organizations (e.g., professional associations, industry thought leader groups, universities, practitioner-academic joint projects).

The Foundation will seek out opportunities and will review other proposals submitted on a continuous basis throughout the year, as long as funds are available.  The PRSA Foundation will note on its web site when all research funds have been committed for a given year.  Potential applicants should check the web site before submitting proposals. 

Submissions should be sent via email to wendy.gallo@prsa.org and receipt will be acknowledged via email.  Submissions will be reviewed by the PRSA Foundation research committee, which will submit recommendations for action by the full board. Applicants will be notified via email of the decision whether to fund their project within 90 days of PRSA Foundation’s receipt of the proposal. For approved grants, a written agreement between PRSA Foundation and the grantee regarding the nature and timing of deliverables and the schedule for payment will be required prior to release of funds.