Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation Fellowship Program

The Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation (KTGF) Fellowship Program is an annual funding opportunity that supports early career researchers in the field of children’s mental health, specifically focusing on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression. Administered by the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, this fellowship seeks to advance understanding, prevention, and treatment for children and adolescents from low-income, under-resourced, or otherwise minoritized populations. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or with relevant lived experience are especially encouraged to apply. The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty affiliated with U.S.-based institutions who are nominated by their Department Chairs. Eligible departments include psychology, psychiatry, pediatrics, developmental pediatrics, social work, public health, and education. Each institution can nominate only one applicant per research area—ADHD or depression—and applicants must have a designated primary mentor. While on-site mentors are preferred, off-site mentors may be included to supplement specific expertise. Funding is provided for a two-year period, totaling $100,000 per award, with $50,000 disbursed annually. Continued funding for the second year depends on satisfactory progress in the first. Projects should aim to produce concrete benefits for affected children and their families and be capable of serving as a foundation for future federal or national research funding. KTGF also encourages applications from individuals currently in research training programs such as T32s and those planning to pursue NIH K awards. The application process is conducted online and includes several required components: a one-page research abstract, synopsis, full research proposal, reference list, budget, principal investigator information, and letters of support from the Department Chair and mentors. Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of KTGF’s Scientific Advisory Committee members and other invited experts. Evaluation criteria include the originality of the project, methodological rigor, feasibility within the time and budget, quality of mentorship and institutional support, and alignment with long-term research objectives. The application cycle opens on September 1 and closes on December 15 at 11:59 pm EST. Final award announcements are made in April. Applicants must initiate the application themselves and may invite institutional staff to assist with submissions. Importantly, candidates may not apply for both the KTGF Fellowship and the Foundation’s Transformation of Mental Health Care grant in the same year. Each applicant is allowed only one re-submission if initially unsuccessful. For any inquiries, applicants, department chairs, or mentors may contact the Foundation at [email protected]. KTGF is headquartered at 80 8th Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY, 10011-7159. The Foundation’s commitment to child mental health research reflects a broader philanthropic mission rooted in the Klingenstein family's values of social responsibility and support for vulnerable populations.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how the proposed research will lead to national funding and show feasibility within the two-year timeline and budget. Strong mentorship and institutional support are critical evaluation criteria.