NASW Foundation National Programs
Ruth Fizdale Program

The Ruth Fizdale Program underwrites research projects that link practice and policy issues with relevant social issues. The objective is to facilitate effective service delivery. The program provides opportunities for NASW chapters to conduct pilot research projects targeted to a specific emerging issue. These pilot projects then may serve as cornerstones for developing more comprehensive research projects.

The Ruth Fizdale Program was created in 1987 by Dr. Helen K. Rehr and other friends of Ruth Fizdale, to honor her contributions to social work. The founders' intent was that, as an endowment, the income would be used to help underwrite studies related to people with social needs. Funding would be made available to seed pilot projects that could lead to projects that are larger and more comprehensive in scope.

The Fizdale grant is awarded based on the projected annual earnings to the fund and contributions. To make a donation, click below. A panel reviews applicants and selects the award recipient.

The Ruth Fizdale program will support one $3,000 research grant for the 2008 - 2009 program year.

2005 Fizdale Award not given.  The Award Panel determined no proposal meeting all of the criteria and guidelines was received.

2004 Fizdale Award Recipient

2003 Fizdale Award Recipients

Over the past few years, the following grants were made:

1999—NASW Arkansas Chapter, "Acceptance and Employment of Professional Social Workers in Arkansas Public Schools"

1999—NASW Idaho Chapter, "Strengthening the Impact of School Social Work Services in Idaho"

2000—NASW Florida Chapter, "Affirmative Action: Social Policy for NASW Social Workers in Florida"

2000—NASW New York State Chapter, "Linking Practice and Policy- Town Hall 2000 Initiative"

2002—North Carolina Chapter, "Advancing Social Work Salaries: North Carolina as an Advocacy Model"

Fizdale Program Guidelines