At its December 1975 meeting, the Executive Council approved the parallel recommendations of the Committees on Scientific Activities and Feasibility of a Psychoanalytic Research Foundation to support psychoanalytic research through a Fund. The Committees stressed the need for a Psychoanalytic Research Fund because of the undersupport of psychoanalytic research by governmental and private structures.

The 1976 dues statement sent to the members included a line for a voluntary contribution of $25 and the initial monies collected will be used toward planning and organizing the Foundation either within the Association or as an autonomous entity. A Governing Board would be responsible for the solicitation and handling of funds and for the maintenance of a Study Section for the granting of awards on the basis of psychoanalytic merit, relevance and priority.