AOTF supports the advancement of occupational therapy through funding opportunities for students, clinicians, early career researchers, and experienced investigators. From scholarships and fellowships to grants and mentorship awards, these programs aim to build evidence, promote innovation, and strengthen the OT profession. Please take a look at the current and upcoming opportunities below. Timelines are subject to change.
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Hand in Hand Research Grant
Eligibility: OT Faculty/Early Career Researchers
Hand in Hand Research Grantand in Hand Research Grant Applications Open: Application Deadline: Overview The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), and the American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF) have collaborated to launch the Hand in Hand Research Grant. This one-year award aims to fund an early-stage research project that…
Community Engaged Research Grant (NBCOT®) Applications Open: 08/01/2025 Application Deadline: 09/19/2025 Overview The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) is launching the Community Engaged Research Grant to support projects that advance occupational therapy scholarship through equitable, collaborative research grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of diverse communities particularly those historically marginalized or underrepresented. AOTF emphasizes…
Implementation Research Grants support studies that examine strategies to advance the adoption and integration of evidence-based health interventions into clinical and community settings, improving both individual patient outcomes and overall public health.
Intervention Research Grant Applications Open: 08/14/2025 Application Deadline: 11/21/2025 Overview The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) awards Intervention Research Grants (IRG) as part of its mission to advance the science of occupational therapy to support people’s full participation in meaningful life activities. The purpose of this grant program is to lay the necessary groundwork for…
Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award
Eligibility: Post-Doctoral Researchers
The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award represents AOTF’s commitment to building research capacity through mentorship. By supporting experienced researchers in training emerging scientists, we ensure that Dr. Baum’s pioneering work in functional cognition continues to inspire discoveries that improve lives.
The Nedra Gillette Endowed Research Fellowship honors occupational therapy leaders who have advanced the profession’s scientific foundation. This prestigious fellowship provides critical foundational support for postdoctoral researchers conducting groundbreaking occupational therapy research, advancing scientific inquiry into the human condition, while building a more diverse and inclusive research workforce by supporting individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences.
These 2022-2025 research priorities emerged from a year-long process which included a comprehensive environment scan of
the strategic plans of federal agencies and major foundations
a survey from OT stakeholders including researchers and clinicians
focus groups with OT researchers.
Data from the environmental scan was reviewed by the AOTF Scientific Advisory Council and AOTF Board. Input was also obtained from other AOTF’s key stakeholder groups prior to the development and/or revisions of the final priorities. Future AOTF research initiatives will address these priorities to support our vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy.
Health Promotion, Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions
Mental Health and Well-Being
Technology and Environmental Supports in the Home and Community
Development and Transitions for Individuals and Families
Equitable Access and Use of Health and Community Services
Family and Caregiver Supports, Resiliency, and Well-Being
Family and Caregiver Supports, Resiliency, and Well-Being
