Community Engaged Research Grant (NBCOT®)

About this program

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), with support from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, will award three two-year, non-renewable Community Engaged Research Grants of up to $100,000 each for rigorous, original occupational therapy research developed with diverse and historically underrepresented communities. Projects must be jointly led by an academic researcher and at least one community partner, include a community member in a leadership or co-investigator role, and demonstrate equitable engagement throughout the research process. Eligible principal investigators must hold an appropriate terminal or advanced research degree, have a qualifying academic or research appointment at a U.S. nonprofit institution, and be an occupational therapist or a non-OT investigator based in an occupational therapy department. Letters of intent are due September 18, 2026, with full applications by invitation in November 2026.