Education Scholarships

Professional Awards

Research Grants

Welcome to The O&P Foundation

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF ORTHOTICS & PROSTHETICS

The O&P Foundation is the only national 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to funding the future of Orthotics and Prosthetics. The organization was established to advance the art and science of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) rehabilitation by enhancing clinical practices through professional training awards, promoting educational opportunities through academic scholarships, strengthening the body of knowledge through research grants and fellowships, and inspiring excellence through the recognition of scholarly achievements.

Volunteers

120 +

Recipients

75 +

Awarded

$ 499990

Raised

$ 1 Million

Volunteers

120 +

Recipients

75 +

Awarded

$ 499990

Raised from Donors

$ 1 Million

How to Support Our Programs

Support the Future of Orthotic and Prosthetic Rehabilitation

Join us in advancing the art and science of orthotic and prosthetic rehabilitation.

Your donation or sponsorship directly supports our mission by offering funding programs in research, education, professional practice to achieve the highest quality of orthotic and prosthetic care.

What are recipients saying? Impact Stories

Shane Wurdeman

Hanger - VP, Scientific Affairs

“The fellowship award was a springboard for my career. It was the first substantive award I was able to demonstrate on my CV that I could effectively manage an award and yield a deliverable from that money entrusted to me. As a result, I have now been a PI on multiple grants for which total funding exceeds $30M."

Kierra Falbo

Research Prosthetist Orthotist; PhD Candidate

“This award helped me to complete my Master's degree in prosthetics and orthotics. After completing my certification in prosthetics and orthotics and working in the field, I have continued to pursue my education through a PhD in Rehabilitation Science."

Kyle Leister

Program Director/Assistant Professor - East Tennessee State University

“Receiving the OPERF Fellowship Award had a profound impact on my career trajectory by providing the essential support to complete my MS degree, pursue a PhD, and establish myself as a scientist. Today, as an Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics (MSOP) program at East Tennessee State University, I am uniquely positioned to mentor and inspire the next generation of O&P professionals. I strive to instill in my students the research skills, critical thinking, and passion for discovery that the Fellowship helped me develop."

Janet Trujillo

Orthotic Resident

“The ABC Orthotist & Prosthetist Diversity Scholarship had a significant positive impact on my career. It allowed me to focus on my education and service work, rather than financial stress, enabling me to complete my Master’s program and participate in a life-changing service trip to Ecuador with ROMP. The funding also covered moving costs for my residency, helping me transition smoothly into this critical training phase. These opportunities strengthened my skills, deepened my commitment to equitable care, and set a solid foundation for my career in orthotics and prosthetics."

Abby Citterman

Orthotic & Prosthetic Resident

“These awards enabled me to allocate my time and invest my efforts in the most important aspects of career development for my personal goals: education, research, and practical experiences. I was able to devote more time to my studies, dedicate meaningful time to research each week, and pursue volunteer opportunities to gain clinical experience and broaden my perspective in O&P. Additionally, the awards helped to create valuable networking opportunities, connecting me with fellow awardees, prospective students, and established leaders in the field. I also believe these awards strengthened my subsequent applications, providing an extra push to open doors for residency, funding, and other clinical opportunities. I am incredibly eager to see the ongoing impact these awards will have on my career trajectory moving forward."

Kiley Armstrong

Research Prosthetist-Orthotist

“Receiving research funding early in my career has provided me with valuable experience in drafting impactful grant proposals, a skill I will continue to utilize throughout my career as a researcher. Additionally, these awards have given me the confidence to pursue my research interests, with the support and recognition of the O&P community that these objectives will be valuable in shaping the future of O&P care for our patients."

Nina Bondre

O&P Foundation Board Member

“Having the opportunity to attend conferences as a student is a wonderful chance to network and understand the field in a different way beyond day-to-day clinical interactions. It helped me grasp the larger world of O&P and where I might be able to contribute best. Being an active member of the O&P community by attending our conferences has shaped my career trajectory in a meaningful and positive way."

Donald Katz

Scottish Rite for Children

"Being recognized by one's peers helps elevate everyone involved. The recipient appreciates the recognition while the profession itself is elevated due to the importance placed on this type of recognition."

Shane Wurdeman

Hanger - VP, Scientific Affairs

Kierra Falbo

Research Prosthetist Orthotist; PhD Candidate

Kyle Leister

Program Director/Assistant Professor - East Tennessee State University

Janet Trujillo

Orthotic Resident

How to Get Involved

Support the Future of Orthotic and Prosthetic Rehabilitation by demonstrating commitment

We support the growth and impact of the Orthotics & Prosthetics profession; in turn, we invite you to consider supporting us through service. There are many opportunities for service, including committee membership, leadership, reviewers, and fundraising support. If you are interested in supporting the profession through The O&P Foundation, please consider signing up to become a volunteer!

Support may also come from demonstration of shared vision and mission alignment through partnership. Consider inquiring about partnership opportunities to strengthen the impact of our mission and reinforce the accomplishments that may achieved together rather than alone .