The Pest Management Foundation Announces $55,000 Available for Research

Fairfax, Va. – The Pest Management Foundation announced the availability of up to $55,000 in funding for applied pest management research for 2026. 

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation's mission is to advance the pest management industry through education, research and outreach. Each year, the foundation said it carefully selects research projects that will have a tangible impact on pest management practices and outcomes.

Industry-Focused Research. The foundation said it seeks to fund applied research that addresses real-world challenges facing the pest management industry. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate clear applicability to professional pest control operations and articulate specific benefits to industry practitioners.

How to Apply. Researchers interested in applying should submit a one to two-page preliminary written proposal by Friday, March 6. The preliminary proposal should clearly articulate the project's applicability to professional pest control and the specific benefits it will deliver to the pest management industry, the foundation said. 

Required Components. Each preliminary proposal must include:

• Name and affiliation of the principal investigator
• Executive summary explaining the proposed project
• Brief explanation of the problem, hypotheses, and description of methods and materials
• Statement of research objectives/goals
• Brief timetable outlining project milestones
• Total grant award requested

Projects must reach completion within 18 months of being awarded the grant, although no-cost extensions may be available on a case-by-case basis, according to the foundation.  

Review Process. All submissions will be reviewed by the Pest Management Foundation's Scientific Review Committee, which will evaluate each proposal based on its merits, usefulness and applicability to the pest management industry. The foundation said it may conduct interviews with applicants at its discretion.

Selected projects will be invited to submit comprehensive proposals with detailed budget and methods descriptions. The foundation may choose to fund one or more projects and said it reserves the right to decline to fund any proposed submissions.

Funding Structure. Grant funds are allocated specifically for direct costs associated with conducting, analyzing and reporting research. Importantly, funding allocated for indirect costs such as non-project administrative fees or general university fees shall not exceed 5%, the foundation said. 

Grant disbursement follows a milestone-based approach: 75% of the grant total will be dispersed at the project's onset, with the remaining 25% paid upon completion of the final research report. All funding expenditures are subject to audit by the foundation or assigned third parties.

Submit Your Proposal. For questions regarding the application process or to submit a preliminary proposal, contact foundation@pestworld.org.