If you have started taking OT classes, you are eligible, started taking OT classes, you are eligible.

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

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is proud to announce the opening of applications for its prestigious fellowships and scholarships. These opportunities are designed to support and encourage exceptional researchers and doctoral students in advancing the field of occupational therapy.

Fellowships for Post-Doctoral Researchers

• Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship: This fellowship supports a postdoctoral researcher's foundational occupational therapy study into the human condition.

• Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Designed to enhance diversity within the occupational therapy workforce by supporting postdoctoral training for underrepresented groups.

Scholarships for OT Doctoral Students

• NEW! Dr. A. Jean Ayres Occupational Therapy Doctoral Candidate Research Scholarship: A new scholarship honoring the pioneer of sensory integration, supporting doctoral research in this area.

• Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy: Provides support for doctoral students pursuing research in occupational therapy.

• Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship: Dedicated to supporting doctoral research in mental health and serious mental illness.

Application Period: All fellowships and scholarships will be open for applications from August 1, 2024 to September 15, 2024.

These awards offer invaluable support to researchers and doctoral students as they contribute to the body of knowledge in occupational therapy. We encourage eligible candidates to apply.

For more information, visit the Grants section.

For more information, click here.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is committed to strengthening our profession through research and practice. A cornerstone of this mission is providing financial aid to students at all degree levels in occupational therapy (OT). These future researchers, practitioners, and leaders need our support today.

AOTF is pleased to introduce two new scholarships that will soon be accepting applications. These two scholarships recognize two outstanding figures in OT and elevate our need for future OTs to emulate their personal and professional character.

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship will support an emerging OT scientist conducting research in sensory integration and sensory processing pursuant to their dissertation plan. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in evaluating and treating people with sensory issues. The increasing number of individuals with sensory processing challenges underscores the urgent need for robust OT evidence.

This scholarship will be $5,000, and AOTF has been gifted $25,000 to support five years of this award. AOTF is working to build an endowment of $125,000 for this fund so this scholarship may be offered forever

The Lands Banks Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Lands Banks, who served as the Manager of Administration and Facilities for AOTA for over 25 years. This scholarship recognizes Lands Banks's incredible impact on AOTA and the OT profession by supporting the next generation of occupational therapists.

Through the generosity of Lands' friends and colleagues, this scholarship has been created to support a student pursuing an OTA, MOT/MSOT, or OTD with an annual award of $2,000. Eligible candidates must demonstrate their role in community service and/or a service leadership role, as Lands' commitment to community service is one of his most recognizable qualities. Preference for this scholarship will be given to students from historically underrepresented minorities in occupational therapy. 

AOTF is working to build an endowment of $50,000 for this scholarship, which will provide a $2,000 scholarship forever.

If you wish to learn more about these scholarships or support our work to endow either of these funds with a philanthropic gift, please get in touch with Lawrence Liff at lliff@aotf.org