Seeding Change: AOTF's Grant Program for a Brighter OT Future

Improving care is a constant journey in occupational therapy (OT). At the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), we are deeply committed to advancing this mission by fostering high-quality, scientifically backed evidence that meets the growing demands of our profession. This evidence is crucial—it empowers people of all ages and abilities to engage in the activities that bring meaning to their lives.

However, the path to groundbreaking research has its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is more funding for early-stage research. With the necessary financial support, innovative ideas can often take root. They cannot generate the pilot data needed to build a proof of concept or scale up to more extensive studies that require larger, statistically significant sample sizes.

Recognizing this gap in the OT research landscape, AOTF took action. We created the *Intervention Research Grant (IRG) Program*—a groundbreaking initiative to provide critical seed funding for early-stage OT research. Since its inception in 2014, the program has supported 50 grantees, each contributing to advancing occupational therapy through innovative research.

Over the past decade, this program has become a cornerstone of OT research, nurturing new evidence across more than two dozen practice areas, engaging underserved populations, and elevating the visibility of occupational therapy within the broader healthcare landscape.

The impact of the IRG program extends far beyond the research itself. It has also been a catalyst for the professional growth of countless OT researchers, enabling them to pursue novel ideas and contribute to the future of our field. But this program—and the progress it fuels—relies on the generosity of a community that believes in the power of OT research.

As we look toward the future, AOTF aims to raise at least $50,000 by September 30 to fund the next round of IRGs entirely in 2025. This funding is crucial to ensuring that we can continue supporting early-stage research that builds the evidence our profession, clients, and communities need.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a profound difference. By supporting the IRG program, you are helping to plant the seeds for a brighter OT future.

To learn more about the IRG program, explore past grants, or make a donation, go to http://www.aotf.org/Support