AOF/AAOA Holiday Hug Grant

About this program

Advocates for the AOA (AAOA), in partnership with the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), offers the Holiday Hug Grant to provide short-term financial assistance—up to three awards of $500 each annually—to osteopathic medical students, residents, or their spouses to help defray year-end and personal expenses. Applications open 1 Sep 2026 and close 30 Sep 2026; recipients will be notified by 2 Nov 2026 and funds disbursed after completion of required AOF paperwork. Eligible applicants must be an osteopathic medical student, a resident, or the spouse of a medical student or resident and maintain current AAOA membership in good standing. Required materials are a completed application, two brief statements (≤150 words each) introducing the applicant/family and explaining intended use of funds, the medical student's CV/resume, and proof of AAOA membership; incomplete applications will not be reviewed.