Mentored Pilot Grant 

This annual program provides one-year grants of $5,000 to support early career scientists and emerging investigators including master’s and doctoral students, O&P residents, and practicing clinicians, as they complete a focused research project under the guidance of an experienced research mentor. 

Projects must demonstrate strong scientific merit, clear clinical relevance, and alignment with The O&P Foundation’s research priorities. This program is designed to strengthen early research skills, foster meaningful mentorship, and generate preliminary data that can support future, larger-scale funding opportunities and development for the investigators.

Tamarack Orthotics Mentored Pilot Grant

Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. continues to give back to the OP&P profession and advancement of orthotics practice and education with their generous support of a targeted Orthotics Mentored Pilot Research Grant. This special 2026program is available in both the Spring and Fall cycle and funds Orthotics focused research proposals.

Eligibility Requirements

• The PI must be a currently enrolled masters or doctoral student*, a current orthotics and/or prosthetics resident, or a practicing orthotics and prosthetics clinician.
• The selected mentor for this research must have attained a doctoral degree or have equivalent research experience.
• The proposed research must include a clinician trained in O&P as the PI, mentor, or co-investigator.
• The primary research site must be in the United States.
• The proposed research must be clinically relevant

* If a trainee is unable to serve as PI, the trainee must be identified as the Co-PI, additional submission items are required in this case, reference Co-PI applicant requirements for more information 

For detailed application and submission information, program materials are available onThe O&P Foundation research webpage.

Award Cycle Information

The following are key dates and deadlines for the O&P Foundation's Mentored Pilot Award Program.  Application materials must be received by 5:00pm Central Time on the posted deadline. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all materials are received by the O&P Foundation by the dates listed below. 

Letter of Intent: opens March 2nd 2026- due April 6th 2026, 5:00 pm (CT)

Full Proposal: due May 4th, 5:00 pm (CT) (opens after the letter of intent is submitted)

Approximate Award Notification: June 2026

Questions

If you have any questions about the Mentored Pilot Research Grant, please email info@oandpfoundation.org