Orthopedic Research Grant

The Orthopedic Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports early-career investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The grant funds innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that enhance evidence-based practices and patient outcomes. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to develop independent researchers and strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession. Applications are open to licensed physical therapists or assistants who are APTA members, with deadlines on July 31 and August 18.

NOTE: Multiple Deadlines
July 31: All $40k research grant applications closeAugust 18: Invited research grant applications close
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Founded in 1979, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and developing emerging investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The foundation supports doctoral scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships, and research grants that advance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes. By investing in innovative research and cultivating the next generation of clinician-scientists, the Foundation aims to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of physical therapy care. Through partnerships with donors, professional organizations, and academic institutions, it works to strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession and promote lifelong mobility and health.
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research offers competitive research grants designed to support early-career and emerging investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. These grants provide project-based funding for innovative, hypothesis-driven studies that advance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes. Funding typically supports pilot studies, new lines of inquiry, or early-stage research that can generate preliminary data for future large-scale federal or foundation funding. Applicants are generally physical therapists or rehabilitation researchers affiliated with accredited academic or research institutions. The primary goal of these research grants is to strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession by building research capacity and developing independent investigators who will contribute to long-term advancements in rehabilitation care.

Eligibility

Individual licensed PTs or PTAs who are APTA members are eligible to apply.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.