OSOT Research Fund 

The OSOT Research Fund (OSOTRF) was created in 1982 to support the development of occupational therapy research in Ontario and to promote the dissemination of knowledge gained through OT research. As a member supported fund, the financial resources of the OSOTRF enable the Society to offer a Research Grants Program to promote OT research that will contribute to evidence-based clinical excellence and effective promotion of OT services within Ontario’s health care system. 

History of the OSOTRF and its research grants.   

Support OT Research in Ontario - Make a Donation to the OSOTRF

The OSOT Research Fund is supported by donations of members and supporters - count yourself amongst these important contributors to OT research in Ontario! The OSOT Research Fund is administered by the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation (COTF), a registered Canadian charity. Your donation to the OSOTRF will be recognized with a tax receipt.

To donate to the OSOTRF, do so through the annual OSOT Membership Renewal Process or throughout the year, access the COTF donation portal , complete your personal and donation information and note in the Comment box "I wish to allocate my donation to the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists Research Fund (OSOTRF)". This notation will assure your donation goes to support OT Research in Ontario.

OSOT Research Fund Grant Program

The OSOTRF offers two annual research grants:

OSOTRF Occupational Therapy Research Grant

  • An annual grant of up to $1,000 to support original research that will provide an evidence base for clinical and/or practice related issues.
  • Focused on support of OT clinician researchers
  • Program details and application materials (PDF)
  • Annual deadline for applications May 1st

OSOTRF Strategic Priorities Research Grant - $10,000 in 2022

  • An annual grant of up to $10,000 (in 2022) to support clinical research that promotes the positioning and evolution of occupational therapy practice in Ontario and addresses policy and practice priorities identified by the OSOT Board of Directors.
  • Strategic priorities are identified by the Board of Directors by December of each year.
  • Strategic priorities for 2022 include projects that seek to provide evidence of the value of occupational therapy to clients, families/caregivers, and the health care system particularly as this relates to;
    • OT service in Long-Term Care Homes
    • Mental health and addictions, including in schools
    • Integrated care models (e.g., Ontario Health Teams, bundled care)
    • Home & Community Care modernization
    • Autism – supporting new Ontario Autism Program
    • Access to OT Services with Auto Insurance System
    • Emerging opportunities (e.g., OT and Emergency Health Services, structured psychotherapy, virtual care, technology, artificial intelligence)
    • Positioning OT as leaders in seniors’ health and well-being

  • Program details and application materials (PDF)
  • Annual deadline for applications May 1st.

OSOTRF Grant Application Procedures

  • OSOT members in good standing who are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario are eligible to apply.
  • The annual application deadline is May 1st.
OSOT Research Fund Grant Recipients