Hand in Hand Research Grant
Hand in Hand Research Grant supports early-career hand therapy researchers with community-engaged, proof-of-concept studies to strengthen practice evidence and lay the groundwork for larger studies.
Funder: American Occupational Therapy Foundation
Due Dates: August 14, 2026 (Applications opened) | November 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET (Full application) | February 15–19, 2027 (Award notifications)
Funding Amounts: $50,000 for 1 year
Summary: Supports early-stage, community-engaged research that strengthens practice evidence in hand and upper extremity therapy.
Key Information: Principal investigators must be early-career, credentialed occupational or physical therapists with certified hand therapist status and an academic or affiliated research appointment.
Description
The Hand in Hand Research Grant is a joint initiative of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), and American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF). It addresses the urgent need for more practice evidence in hand and occupational therapy through proof-of-concept research that bridges research and everyday practice.
The program supports innovative, early-stage work grounded in community engagement and intended to lay the groundwork for larger studies. It emphasizes partnerships among researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders throughout the research process. By centering the lived experiences and practical realities of diverse communities, the grant aims to produce evidence-informed findings that are actionable in hand and upper extremity therapy settings.
