About
→ History
The Oglesby-Snyder Grant for Equity and Cultural Diversity, supported by The MARGARET Fund and founded by Deborah Slaner Larkin, honors the legacy of Drs. Oglesby and Snyder’s decades-long partnership advancing equity in sport. This grant supports impactful research that promotes cultural diversity and inclusion in athletics, particularly for girls, women of color, and LGBTQ+ communities. Building on a foundation of evidence-based advocacy and educational leadership at the Women’s Sports Foundation, the grant aims to expand the sport psychology knowledge base and empower advocacy ensuring equal access to the benefits of sport for all.
Leadership
Carole Oglesby, PhD
Women's Sports Foundation
Carole A. Oglesby was a top level softball player from age twelve to thirty-two. She MADE three national softball championship appearances and coached collegiate teams for ten years. Carole earned doctorates in Kinesiology and Counseling in 1969 and 1999. She was the editor of Encyclopedia of Women in Sport in America and Women and Sport: From Myth to Reality, as well as author of over 50 academic and research publications. She is a recipient of the Women’s Sports Foundation Billie Jean King Contribution award, American Psychological Association Div.47 Lifetime Contribution in Public Service and AAHPERD McKinzie Award for Service Outside the Profession. She is a former President of WomenSport International and current Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport.
Marjorie A. Snyder, PhD
Dr. Marjorie Snyder is a nonprofit consultant and Sr. Research Advisor for the Women’s Sports Foundation, with a faculty role in George Washington University's Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program. A leading voice in research on girls' and women's sports, she has authored influential studies on Olympic and Paralympic participation, the benefits of high school sports for girls, and best coaching practices for youth. Her work has shaped evidence-based policies across U.S. sports. Formerly Chief Program and Planning Officer at WSF for 20 years, she oversaw over 30 research projects and helped create the award-winning GoGirlGo! Program. She began her career as a teacher, professor, and coach.
Deborah Slaner Larkin
Women's Sport Foundation
Deborah Larkin is a nationally recognized advocate for women’s rights with over 45 years of leadership across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. As former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation, she spearheaded initiatives like National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Sports 4 Life program, and groundbreaking research on cultural and ethnic gender bias in collegiate coaching. A longtime board member of the National Women’s Law Center, she co-founded the MARGARET Fund to advance Title IX education and enforcement, contributing to key Supreme Court victories for gender equity. Honored as a Distinguished Woman of New York, Deborah has testified before Congress and appeared on major media outlets to champion civil rights and equality.
Leeja Carter, PhD
Dr. Leeja Carter is a Fulbright Scholar, feminist changemaker, and expert in inclusive health and wellness practices. After a 15-year academic career, she founded the Coalition for Food and Health Equity (CFHE), where she now serves as CEO, leading innovative programs like Ujamaa Café and Ujamaa Well—Google-funded initiatives addressing racial justice in food, health access, and economic growth. Her work centers on Black women's health, decolonizing wellness, and using technology to challenge systemic barriers. A published author and international speaker, Dr. Carter’s impact spans media outlets like CNN, ABC News, and Psychology Today. She is also a trailblazer in feminist sport psychology, known for advancing equity within the profession through leadership roles and her pioneering book, Feminist Applied Sport Psychology.
Amanda Perkins - Ball, PhD
Dr. Amanda Perkins-Ball is an Associate Teaching Professor of Kinesiology at Rice University, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. Her teaching and research center on promoting physical activity in underserved communities and examining the experiences of marginalized identities in sport and physical activity. She has authored numerous publications, delivered more than 40 presentations at national and international conferences, and received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and mentorship. Most recently, she was honored as an Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor for her contributions to supporting student-athletes at Rice. Dr. Perkins-Ball is also active in professional organizations, including ACSM and AASP, and is pursuing her Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification.
→ FAQ
What is the purpose of the Oglesby - Snyder Grant?
The Oglesby - Snyder Grant is designed to support sport and exercise psychology research that advances equity and cultural diversity. It aims to fund research projects that foster inclusivity, cultural understanding, and improved access to resources for underrepresented groups in sport.
Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants must be affiliated with an educational institution and can include:
Student researchers
Academic faculty
Non-profit organizations
Community groups
What is the funding range for the grant?
The funding amount varies based on the project scope and needs. Typically, grants range from $1,000 to $7,500. Applicants are encouraged to clearly outline their budget and funding needs in their proposals.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on November 1st annually.
Do I need to provide any matching funds for the grant?
Matching funds are not required. However, demonstrating additional sources of funding or in-kind contributions may strengthen your application.
Can I apply for the grant if my project involves advocacy or political activity?
The Oglesby - Snyder Grant does not fund efforts that are primarily focused on political lobbying or partisan activities.
What happens if my project isn't funded?
If your proposal is not selected for funding, you will receive feedback on your application and may reapply in the future, incorporating the insights provided.