Funding Research

American Hand Therapy Foundation Research Grants 

Please refer to the AHTF website for further information. Direct inquiries and grant proposal submissions should be sent to grants@ahtf.org

Burkhalter New Investigator Grant for Clinical Research in Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation

The Burkhalter New Investigator Grant is for clinical research in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. It was established in honor of Dr. William Burkhalter (1928-1992), a long time advocate and promoter of hand therapy. Application window: January 1 - March 1


Judy Bell Krotoski “Grab the Evidence” Grant

The Judy Bell Krotoski "Grab the Evidence" Grant was established for basic science and studies to grow the evidence-base that supports hand therapy and upper limb rehabilitation was established in response to the growing need to fund basic research science and evidence based studies in hand and upper limb rehabilitation. Application window: January 1 - March 1


Tri-Alliance Grant Honoring ASHT Founders

The Tri-Alliance Grant Honoring ASHT Founders was developed to promote meaningful research in hand therapy through the funding of one or more grants. Application window: January 1 - March 1


American Hand Therapy Foundation Educational Awards

Janet Albrecht Memorial Scholarship

The Janet Albrecht Memorial Scholarship provides funding for professional development to support an occupational therapist or physical therapist interested in pursuing certification in hand therapy and/or a post-professional advanced degree. Application window: May 1 - July 1


Evelyn Mackin Travel Grant for Education and Research

Evelyn Mackin Travel Grant for Education and Research funds travel expenses for an occupational or physical therapist with advanced skills to conduct clinical education and/or clinical research activities. Application window: May 1-July 1


Ida M. Stern Research Education Award

The Ida M. Stern Research Education Award was created through a generous donation from Ida M. Stern. The grant intends to promote research education in the field of hand rehabilitation. Application window: May 1 - July 1


Mary Kasch Hand Therapy Certification Scholarship

The Mary Kasch Hand Therapy Certification Scholarship, while funded in part by AHTF, is administrated through HTCC. Application window: January 1-March 1


Other Funding Opportunities

American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)  

The standalone nonprofit supports occupational therapy research and increases public understanding of the important relationship between everyday activities (occupations) and health. Research grants available up to $100,000.


The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)  

The oldest medical specialty society in the United States devoted to continuing medical education and research related to hand surgery has grants from $20,000 to $100,000, but a member of the research team must be a member of the ASSH.


American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS)  

AAHS Annual Research Grants were established to foster creativity and innovation in basic and/or clinical research in all areas pertinent to hand surgery. The awards are funded by the Hand Surgery Endowment and administered by the Association. One (1) grant in the amount of $10,000 will be made for a one (1) year period. All AAHS members and candidates for membership are eligible to apply. Residents and fellows sponsored by an AAHS member are eligible to apply as well. There may be up to three (3) co-investigators, one (1) of the investigators MUST be an Active or Affiliate AAHS member.