Grant Opportunities

ISRVA Research Grant available

Purpose: To encourage research on SRV Theory and its implementation, to actively exploit the Wolfensberger Collection at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and to further the dissemination of Wolfensberger’s work and especially of SRV theory and practice in universities.

Up to $5000 USD (in aggregate) will be awarded annually to an individual (or individuals) who has/have made a commitment to carrying out and publishing the results of SRV related research, or more broadly casts a light on Wolfensberger’s writings at the UNMC Wolfensberger collection.

Successful candidates will have at least attended an SRV 10 (or equivalent) training event organised by recognized (by ISRVA) trainers. This is open to students who are members of the ISRVA, engaged in Bachelors (Honours), Master’s, or Doctoral level courses in the social sciences or the humanities.

The proposed research should have a direct bearing on SRV theory as a whole or on any of its ten themes, or on the implementation of SRV, including via utilization of the PASSING evaluation method, or upon Citizen Advocacy and utilization of CAPE, or should be otherwise relevantly related to the Wolfensberger collection.

There is a preference for empirical types of research, though the ISRVA will consider proposals that present theoretical discussions (i.e. comparisons to other theoretical frameworks, or discussions of the relationship of SRV theory to different world views and values, and the consideration of values issues and other non-empirical issues, etc.).  Applicants may find it useful to review Wolfensberger’s (2012) “Advanced Issues in SRV Theory.”

Proposals for the Research or Scholarship will be accepted from any country. The proposed research projects must directly relate to Social Role Valorization theory and/or the work of Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger. The grant is meant to help pay for costs other than remuneration.

  1. All applicants shall be members of ISRVA.
  2. Applicant must show a connection to a recognized community of SRV practice and dissemination.
  3. Applicants (if affiliated with a university) must report on meeting ethics requirements of their university.
  4. Applicant must provide letter of intention and a budget.
  5. Recipients of this grant must submit their work to a peer-reviewed journal. The final 20% of the grant will be withheld until proof of submission to a peer reviewed journal is provided.

Interested individuals must apply to the ISRVA leadership group by writing to Raymond Lemay (raylemay@rogers.com) with the following:

  • A two-page letter of application that outlines their interest in SRV, their research objectives, and plans for publication and dissemination, including presentations at conferences or the like. The applicant should briefly describe their experience at SRV training events and links to a SRV community of practice.
  • An outline of research activities and related expenses (a budget) that will be subsidized by the grant.
  • A letter of support from a recognized SRV leader (SRV teacher, trainer or PASSING trainer).
  • If one is a graduate student. a letter of support from one of the applicant’s university professors (advisors) who will be involved in the proposed research. Depending on the university’s requirements, the grant may be awarded to the Professor/advisor who will be responsible for the utilization of the grant.
  • Up-to-date CV/résumé

Applications for the grant should be made in writing – by email – at any time.  The ISRVA leadership Council will review applications and determine awards, if any. The ISRVA may award more than one grant in a calendar year, but the aggregate will not exceed $5,000.

ISRVA Leadership Group: Jo Massarelli, Andrew Oliver, Betsy Neuville, Guy Caruso, Joe Osburn, and Raymond Lemay

Revised Feb 2024


Wolf Wolfensberger - In honor of a Man & His Life's Work
SRV Journal - A helpful addition to the International SRV Training Culture