FAIRFAX, VA, January 28, 2026 – The Pest Management Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of up to $55,000 in funding for applied pest management research for 2026. This funding opportunity reflects the Foundation's ongoing commitment to advancing the pest management industry through meaningful scientific research that directly benefits industry professionals and the communities they serve.

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 carefully selects research projects that will have a tangible impact on pest management practices and outcomes.

Research Focus

The Foundation 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.

Research proposals may address areas such as:

• Measurable evidence of service effectiveness
• Enhanced employee productivity
• Reduced operational costs
• Identification of new, profitable services
• Insights into pest biology or behavior
• Development of sustainable control methods

How to Apply

Researchers interested in applying should submit a 1–2-page preliminary written proposal by Friday, March 6, 2026. 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.

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.

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 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 reserves the right to decline to fund any proposed submissions.

Funding Structure

The Foundation's commitment to maximizing research impact is reflected in its 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 five percent (5%)—significantly lower than the overhead rates often charged by universities.

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 your preliminary proposal, please contact foundation@pestworld.org.

The Pest Management Foundation looks forward to reviewing innovative research proposals that will help shape the future of pest management and contribute to healthier, safer communities.

Submit your proposal

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About the Professional Pest Management Alliance

The Pest Management Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission and purpose is to advance the pest management industry through education, research, and outreach. The Pest Management Foundation is a charitable organization affiliated with the National Pest Management Association and has been in existence since 1961. The Pest Management Foundation funds urban/structural pest management research and student scholarships across the country.