[American Occupational Therapy Foundation](https://www.aotf.org)

February 20, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

$5,000 one-time scholarship; no indirect costs allowed.

Supports OT doctoral candidates conducting research in adult mental health and serious mental illness.

Applicants must have defended their dissertation proposal and have IRB approval (or in process) at application.

--- ## Description This scholarship supports occupational therapists enrolled in research doctoral programs (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent) who are conducting research focused on adult mental health and serious mental illness. The award aims to foster the development of emerging OT scientists and enhance the visibility of occupational therapy in mental health, particularly in areas such as treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and wellness for adults with chronic serious mental illness. Preference is given to research on conditions like schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and personality disorders. --- ## Due Dates - Applications open: January 5, 2026 - Full application deadline: February 20, 2026 (by 11:59 PM EST) --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 one-time scholarship - No salary support for applicant or mentor - No indirect costs (F&A) allowed - Funds must be used during doctoral candidacy and cannot be carried over after graduation --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be an occupational therapist enrolled in a research doctoral program (PhD, ScD, DrPH, or equivalent) - Have completed all coursework except for dissertation writing/defense - Have successfully defended their dissertation proposal (proof required at application) - Have IRB approval in place or in process (funds released only after IRB approval) - Conduct research at a US academic institution - Be a US citizen or have appropriate residency/visa documentation - Have a mentor with expertise in the proposed research area - Agree to use funds during candidacy only (no carryover after graduation) - Research must focus on treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, or wellness for chronic conditions of serious mental illness in adults Preference is given to research on schizophrenia, psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and personality disorders. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=WkhP2aZ_E8xYrwVi6stxyw%3d%3d) and [Award Guidelines](https://www.aotf.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=svYiKwJpGIY%3d&portalid=0) - Prepare required documents: - Applicant biosketch (max 5 pages) - Mentor biosketch (max 5 pages) - Proof of successful dissertation proposal defense - Letter of recommendation from mentor - High-resolution applicant photo - Proof of citizenship/residence/visa - IRB approval (if not yet approved, must be in process; required for fund disbursement) - Submit online via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - Application must be fully submitted by February 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST - For technical support with ProposalCentral, contact pcsupport@altum.com or call 800-875-2562 --- ## Additional Information - Scholarship is not renewable, but recipients may reapply if still enrolled and eligible. - Funds cannot be used for salary or indirect costs. - Only one application is required for consideration for all AOTF scholarships. - Selection is based on eligibility, research focus, and merit. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.aotf.org/Grants/Bonita-Kraft-Occupational-Therapy-Doctoral-Student-Scholarship) - [Application Instructions (PDF)](https://www.aotf.org/Portals/0/Doc_%20Scholarships_%202026_Application%20Instructions.pdf?ver=WkhP2aZ_E8xYrwVi6stxyw%3d%3d) - [Award Guidelines](https://www.aotf.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=svYiKwJpGIY%3d&portalid=0) - [Apply via ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/ProposalGI.asp?SectionID=12372&ProposalID=-1) - [AOTF Scholarships FAQ](https://www.aotf.org/Scholarships/FAQ) - [Contact AOTF](https://www.aotf.org/About-AOTF/Contact-Us) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | research@aotf.org | | Scholarships Support | scholarships@aotf.org / 240-292-1077 | | ProposalCentral Support | pcsupport@altum.com / 800-875-2562 | | Funder Website | [American Occupational Therapy Foundation](https://www.aotf.org) |

Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship

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