Intervention Research Grant

Intervention Research Grant is sponsored by The American Occupational Therapy Foundation. This grant supports research on the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions. Projects focused on sensory processing interventions would be a strong fit.

Intervention Research Grant - The American Occupational Therapy Foundation Intervention Research Grant Applications Open: 08/14/2026 Application Deadline: 09/18/2026 We’re now accepting applications for our Intervention Research Grant (IRG). Don’t miss out — Submit your Letter of Intent (LOI) by September 18, 11:59 PM ET!

Many larger funders, including federal agencies and major nonprofit foundations, require preliminary data as proof of concept in order to consider funding applications. However, funding sources for this kind of early-stage work are often limited. The AOTF Intervention Research Grant (IRG) helps fill that gap by investing in the development of ideas and data during the initial phases of the occupational therapy research process.

The AOTF Intervention Research Grant (IRG) is designed to lay the groundwork for larger studies evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions on occupation, participation, and health. The program aims to: Align with future funding priorities and intended sources of funding. Develop interventions that are client-centered, occupation-based, theory-driven, and manualized.

Lead to efficacy (research under tightly controlled conditions) or effectiveness (research under real-world conditions) trials. Cultivate interdisciplinary research teams and partner with communities. Include underserved and diverse populations in research.

Mentor new investigators and researchers. Grant Amount: Up to $100,000 The Intervention Research Grant supports approaches that lay the groundwork for larger intervention studies, including: Pilot studies : Small-scale versions of a main study that test whether key components (recruitment, randomization, treatment, follow-up) work together before a larger trial.

Feasibility studies : Early research that estimates key parameters (e.g., recruitment rates, outcome measures) needed to design a larger study, without evaluating the outcome itself. Intervention research planning grants: Funding for a multidisciplinary team to form, collaborate, and develop a concrete research plan ahead of a larger intervention study.

AOTF will give preferential consideration to applications that utilize common data elements and include them in their grant applications where appropriate. NIH encourages the use of common data elements (CDEs) in clinical research, patient registries, and other human subject research in order to improve data quality and opportunities for comparison and combination of data from multiple studies and with electronic health records.

Refer to the Request for Applications for citations and further details. The Intervention Research Grant program receives significant funding from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the St. Catherine Challenge.

The Principal Investigator (PI) Must Hold a doctoral degree (PhD, ScD) or have an OTD or EdD with advanced research training (e.g., completion of a post-degree research fellowship). Be a credentialed occupational therapist with a full-time faculty position appointment or an equivalent research position at the time of application or a non-OT investigator with a primary academic appointment in an occupational therapy department.

Be employed by a U.S. domestic, public or private, non-profit organization/institution that is eligible to receive Foundation research grants and will provide assurance of its accountability and support for the project. Be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national of the U.S. admitted for permanent residence OR applied for permanent residence. Be an early, emerging, or early-mid career investigator .

* *An early career researcher is a Principal Investigator in the early stages of their independent research career, typically within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree (e.g., PhD, DSc) or equivalent training (such as a post-degree research fellowship for non-research degrees, e.g., OTD/EdD). Longer timeframes may apply for some ; see RFA for details.

Early Career Researcher Profile Eligible PIs are generally at the Lecturer, Instructor, Assistant Professor, or early Associate Professor level (or equivalent). Their funding history may include small research grants, mentored career development awards, or training-related mechanisms aligned with early-stage or emerging investigators.

See Request for Applications for full details on eligibility criteria and early career researcher definitions . Applicants submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to AOTF by September 18 for review . Applicants invited to move forward will then submit a Full Application by November 20.

Applicant/Principal Investigator: Personal information and Biosketch Applicant Organization: Name and mailing address, administrative contact Research Mentor: Biosketch, Letter of commitment, research mentoring table and publications Community Partners and/or Co-Investigators (as needed by the project): Biosketch/CV and other supporting documents Proposed Research Project: Description of the proposed research project See Request for Applications for required materials for the Full Application stage.

If the LOI meets the following screening criteria, AOTF will accept it, and the PI will be invited to complete the Full Application. PI and co-I eligibility criteria and merits Mentor merits and alignment with project Alignment with the grant opportunity Provides sufficient detail and clarity See Request for Applications for Full Application stage review criteria.

Review Research Priorities & Guidelines Application Materials Posted Letter of Intent Submission Opens September 18, 2026, 11:59 p. m. ET Letter of Intent Deadline Invitations to Submit Full Application November 20, 2026, 11:59 p.

m. ET Full Application Deadline Summary Statements & Award Notifications Sent For Applicants: While AOTF does not prohibit the use of AI tools to assist in the writing of proposals (e.g., spell-check and language suggestions), applicants remain fully responsible for ensuring their proposals are factually accurate, clearly written, and appropriately cited.

Any AI-generated text must be clearly acknowledged in the application using footnotes. For Reviewers: Reviewers are prohibited from uploading AOTF applications into any AI systems due to concerns with confidential and proprietary information. To ensure integrity and confidentiality are upheld, grant reviewers will be required to submit a confidentiality agreement form before starting the review process.

For information about grant writing training workshops, please visit our partnerships page Questions? EMAIL RESEARCH@AOTF. ORG Frequently Asked Questions Can I apply if I work for an independent nonprofit or private practice and do not hold a faculty position?

Principal Investigators must hold a faculty or equivalent position at an academic institution or affiliated organization. Independent nonprofits without an academic or affiliated institutional relationship are not eligible at this time What is considered “advanced research training” for applicants with an OTD? Advanced research training typically includes completion of a postdoctoral or research fellowship.

Other experiences, such as participation in research programs, research teams, or scholarly publications, may also demonstrate advanced research training if they are relevant to the proposed project. Applicants should highlight and justify relevant experience within the biosketch and essay portions of the application. My project aligns with more than one AOTF grant program.

What should I consider? Review the Request for Applications (RFA) for each funding mechanism and align the language of your aims with your selected program. Consider the intended goals of your proposal and seek feedback from research peers and mentors regarding the best fit.

Can I submit the same proposal under multiple grant programs within the same funding cycle? AOTF does not have an explicit policy preventing applicants from submitting to more than one grant program within the same year. However, applicants may not receive more than one AOTF grant within the same funding cycle.

Applicants are encouraged to frame their proposal around a particular program and align the proposal with that program’s RFA. Does my research mentor have to be an occupational therapy professional? Do they need to be from the same institution?

No, mentors do not need to be occupational therapy professionals or from the same institution. Applicants may identify one mentor. AOTF looks for consistency between the proposed area of research and the mentor’s past experience and expertise.

Am I allowed to allocate any of my budget for mentor compensation? What about community partners? For the Intervention Research Grant (IRG), applicants may allocate up to 20% of funds toward mentor compensation.

For the Community Engaged Research Grant (CERG), up to 10% of grant funds may be used toward mentor compensation, and compensation for community partners is not capped. What are some tips for submitting a strong Letter of Intent (LOI)? Before submitting your LOI: Confirm that your project strongly matches the grant program’s eligibility requirements, priorities, and objectives.

Ensure your proposed approach, methodology, and overall strategy are appropriate for achieving the project’s aims and align with AOTF’s mission and research priorities. If community engagement is required, demonstrate strong partnerships and the potential benefit to the community.

Consider the potential for subsequent funding and whether the proposed research lays the groundwork for larger studies or advances research or clinical practice through innovative approaches and interventions Applicants may also wish to attend a grant writing workshop Wen-Pin Chang, PhD, OTR/L University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Empowering Autistic College Students: Mental Health Skill Building at a Hispanic-Serving Institution Mentor: Shu-Ping Chen, PhD.

, OT Reg (University of Alberta) Jessica Kersey, PhD, OTR/L Washington University School of Medicine in St.

Louis Feasibility of ENGAGE-TBI: a Novel Intervention to improve participation After Brain Injury Mentor: Joy Hammel, PhD, OTR/L (University of Illinois) Melanie Tkach, PhD, MSOT, OTR/L University of Missouri – Columbia Preparing for Adult Roles: Feasibility of a Transition Intervention for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy and their Caregivers Mentor: Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Catherine Hoyt, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA Washington University School of Medicine in St.

Louis Community Driven Methods for Screening for Developmental Delay Among Infants and Toddlers with Sickle Cell Disease Mentor: Allison King, MD, PhD, MPH Vanessa Jewell, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Feasibility of the REAL-Fam to Support Diabetes Self-Management, Family Participation, and Child Health Mentor: Beth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, LRC, FAOTA Colorado State University Using Virtual Reality Technology to Increase Acceptance of Home Modifications for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study Emily Grattan, PhD, OTR/L Examining Metacognitive Strategy Training for Individuals with Unilateral Spatial Neglect Mentor: Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM Cleveland State University Ohio Building Resilience and Social-emotional Skills in Under-resourced Preschoolers with History of Trauma Mentor: Susan Bazyk, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Andrea Fairman, PhD, MOT, OTR/L, CPRP, ATP Johnson & Wales University Clinical Efficacy of CO-OP And Mhealth to Support Self-catheterization In Youth with Spina Bifida Mentor: Douglass Clayton, MD Mark Hardison, PhD, OTR/L Assessing the Feasibility of the Restorative Occupational Approaches for Disordered Eating (ROADE) Program Mentor: Catana Brown, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Emily Kringle, PhD, OTR/L duoABLE: Feasibility of a Behavioral Activation-based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior Among People with Stroke and Their Support Persons Megan Chang, PhD, OTR/L, MS San Jose State University Use of a Telehealth Approach to Build Resilience in Parents of Children with Autism through Mindfulness Practice Mentor: Laurie Drabble, PhD Erika Kemp, OTD, OTR/L, BCP The Ohio State University Determining Efficacy and Active Ingredients of the AquOTic program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Mentor: Amy Darragh, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Kendra Heatwole Shank, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS MCI Intervention for Out-of-Home Participation: Aging, Cognition, & Meaningful Engagement (ACME) Mentor: Malcolm Cutchin, PhD Alix Sleight, PhD, OTD, MPH, OTR/L The RISE (Re-Invent, Integrate, Strengthen, Expand) Occupation-Based Self-Management Program for Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study Mentor: Pamela Roberts PhD, OTR/L, SCFES, FAOTA, CPHQ, FNAP, FACRM Victoria Wilburn, DHSc, OTR, FAOTA Indiana University Indianapolis Utilizing Ecological Momentary Assessment with Adolescents Attending a Recovery High School Mentor: Brandon Sorge, PhD Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, OTD, OTR/L Strategies to Promote the Implementation of Outcome Measures in Stroke Rehabilitation Mentor: Amy Darragh, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA Jewel Elias Crasta, PhD, OTR/L Characterizing Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Mentor: Amy Darragh, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA University of Alabama at Birmingham A Guided Eight-Week Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for Distressed Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study Mentor: Hon Yuen, PhD, OTR/L Promoting Adherence in Upper Extremity Home-Based Rehabilitation Through Motivational Interviewing and Ecological Momentary Assessment: A Feasibility Study Mentor: Yael Goverover, PhD, OTR/L Marion Russell, OTD, OTR/L Impact of COVID-19 on Family Quality of Life and Healthcare Access for Families with a Child with Diabetes Mentor: Vanessa Jewel, PhD, OTR/L Namrata Grampurohit, PhD, OTR/L Thomas Jefferson University Post-Discharge Support for Caregivers of Adults with Stroke Through Telehealth Coaching-in-Context Mentor: Mary Jane Mulcahey Danbi Lee, PhD, OTD, OTR/L Return to Life After Stroke: Motivational Interviewing and Self-Management Support in Early Stroke Rehabilitation Janet Njelesani, PhD, OTR/L An Occupation-Based Intervention to Address Bullying Against Students with Disabilities Emily Somerville, OTD, OTR/L Washington University- St.

Louis A Tailored Medication Management Intervention for Older Adults Alex Wong, PhD, DPhil, BSOT Washington University- St.

Louis Feasibility of Mobile Self-Management Intervention for Mild Stroke 2019 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Kelly Anderson, PhD, OTR/L East Carolina University The Role of Success and Failure in the “Just Right Challenge” (Mentor: Anne Elizabeth Dickerson, PhD, OTR/L, SCEDCM, FAOTA, FGSA) Karen Atler, PhD, OTR/L Colorado State University Merging Yoga, Occupational Therapy and Education in Diabetes Management (Mentor: Arlene A.

Schmid, PhD, OTR/L) Kris Barnekow, PhD, OTR/L, IMH-E University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Healthy Transitions from NICU to Home: A Pilot Study of the SMILE Curriculum (Mentor: Deborah Brandon, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN) Annemarie Connor, PhD, OTR/L Florida Gulf Coast University A Peer-mediated Vocational Social Skills Program for College Students with Autism (Mentor: Connie Sung, PhD, CRC, LPC) Candice Osborne, PhD University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Facilitated Learning in Stroke Rehabilitation: Using Problem Solving and Technology to Address Health and Risk Factors (Mentor: Kathleen Bell, MD) 2018 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Angela Caldwell, PhD, OTR/L, CLT University of Pittsburgh Partnering for Prevention: Promoting Healthy Habits in Underserved Communities (Mentor: Roxanna Bendixen, PhD, OTR/L) Susan Fasoli, ScD, MS, OTR/L MGH Institute of Health Professions A Paradigm Shift: Rehabilitation Robotics, Cognitive Skills Training and Function (Mentor: Teresa Jacobson Kimberly, PhD, PT ) Anne Kirby, PhD, OTR/L University of Utah Pilot Study of the MAPSS (Maximizing Adolescent Post-Secondary Success) Intervention (Mentor: Himle Michael, PhD ) Lauren Little, PhD, OTR/L Rush University Bridging a Service Gap in Autism: A Hybrid Education-Coaching Intervention (Mentor: Winifred Dunn, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA) Rachel Proffitt, OTD, OTR/L University of Missouri Feasibility of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment(R)-BIG Intervention in Stroke (Mentor: Timothy Wolf, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA) 2017 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Evan Dean, PhD, OTR/L- University of Kansas Supporting Employment Through Self-determination for Young Adults with ASD (Mentor: Karrie Shogren, PhD) Leah Stein Duker, PhD, OTR/L- University of Southern California Environmental Barriers for Adults with ASD During Primary Care Health Encounters (Mentor: Sharon Cermak, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA) Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L- Dartmouth College Supporting Caregivers of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: A Feasibility Study of the Ready to CARE program (Mentor: Stephen Bartel, MD, MS) Maureen Russell, PhD, OTR/L, MHI- Northern Arizona University Sleep Interventions for Caregivers and Their Young Children in Part C Programs (Mentor: Carol Baldwin, PhD, RN, NCC, CT, AHN-BC, FAAN) Heather Williamson, DrPH, MBA, OTR/L, CPH- Northern Arizona University Health Equity for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Mentor: Julie Ann Baldwin, PhD) 2016 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Mary Khetani, ScD, OTR/L University of Illinois at Chicago Feasibility Test of a Pediatric Web-Based Care Planning Guide (Mentor: Mary Law, PhD, FCAOT) Mansha Mirza, PhD, OTR/L, MSHOR University of Illinois at Chicago Piloting an Occupational Therapy Intervention in a Primary Care Clinic (Mentor: Anders Kottorp, PhD) Juleen Rodakowski, OTD, MS, OTR/L University of Pittsburgh Empowering Caregivers after Stroke (Mentor: Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L) 2015 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Winifred Dunn, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA University of Kansas Medical Center Feasibility of Telehealth Coaching for Rural Families of Children with Autism Simone Gill, PhD, OTR/L Boston University Use of Motor Learning Principles to Reduce Fall Risks After Surgical Weight Loss Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L Boston University An Environment Problem-Solving Strategy for Parents of Youth with Disabilities Elizabeth Larson, PhD, OTR, FAOTA University of Wisconsin-Madison 5Minutes4Myself: Motivational Occupational Coaching & Mindfulness for Caregivers Susan Magasi, PhD University of Illinois at Chicago Negotiating the Healthcare System: a Peer-OT Lead Intervention Stacey Reynolds, PhD, OTR/L Virginia Commonwealth University Effects of Deep Pressure on Arousal and Performance in Person with Autism Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L FAOTA Thomas Jefferson University Testing Outcomes of a Manualized OT Intervention for Children with Autism 2014 Intervention Research Grant Recipients Erin R.

Foster, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L Washington University School of Medicine Feasibility and Optimization of a Cognitive Intervention for Parkinson Disease Sandy Magaña, PhD, MSW University of Illinois at Chicago Promoting Participation Among Latino Children with ASD Beth Pfeiffer, PhD, OTR/L, BCP Temple University Manualization of an Intervention to Improve Work Environments for Adults with ASD Arlene Schmid, PhD, OTR Colorado State University Merging Yoga and group Occupational Therapy (MY-OT) Mary Ellen Stoykov, PhD, MS, OTR/L Rush University Bilateral Priming for Upper Extremity Hemiparesis in Older Adults Implementation Research Grants Community Engaged Research Grants Hand in Hand Research Grant