Since 1979, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) has funded promising physical therapy research. Thanks to years of support from donors like you, we were able to continue these investments in 2020.
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) Board of Trustees took early action to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and the uncertain economic market. These actions meant cuts to originally planned research funding for the year and budget cuts. Despite these challenges, I am proud to tell you today that we were still able to fund new research in 2020.
It is thanks to years of support from donors like you. Your investments made it possible to continue sowing the seeds for the future. Your donations fund physical therapy research that will help the profession continue to grow to meet the ever-changing needs of our world.
As we move forward, we promise to continue to be good stewards of the investments you have made in research for years to come.
May you have good health and hope,
Researchers were among the many in the physical therapy community affected by COVID-19. As FPTR began to make adjustments to minimize the financial impact of the pandemic, continuing our mission remained as important as ever.
Despite some cuts to funding, we were still able to award $832,500 in research grants, scholarships, and fellowships in 2020 thanks to years of support from our donors.
At the beginning of the health crisis, FPTR found that 80% of recent FPTR-funding recipients reported that their institutions were closed for research. As institutions and researchers were able to adapt, however, some researchers reported a silver lining, including the ability to reach new populations for study via telehealth.
In February, FPTR announced an additional major investment in the Center on Health Services Training and Research. The additional $1.25 million effectively doubles the initial scope of the project.
Jimmy McKay, PT, DPT, was appointed to the FPTR Board of Trustees, officially beginning his service at the beginning of 2021. Stanley Paris, PT, PhD, FAPTA, HonLLD(Otago) concluded his term at the end of 2020.
Research Grant
Funding Extended
The $100,000 NIFTI was awarded to Adam J. Bittel, from Children’s National Medical Center. His fellowship will include research training entitled “Molecular Responses to Aerobic Exercise Training in a Murine Model of FSHD.”
Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
Funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
Recipient of the Bella May Award made possible by the Bella May Fund
Funded by the Legacy Scholarship Fund
Recipient of the Patricia Leahy Award made possible by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
Recipient of the Viva J. Erickson Award, funded by the Viva J. Erickson Fund
Funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund
Recipient of the Mary Lou Barnes Award, funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy through the Foundation’s Neurology Endowment Fund
Recipient of the VCU-Marquette Challenge Award, named in honor of the student-led Marquette Challenge, Funded by the Rhomberger Fund
Funded by the Rhomberger Fund
These meaningful gifts add up! Since 1989, students have raised more than $4.3 MILLION for research. In a typical year, the student-led Challenge accounts for 30% of FPTR's annual fundraising budget.
In 2020, FPTR made the difficult decision to not announce any top fundraising schools for the 2019-2020 Challenge. Funds raised during this period were rolled into school totals for the 2020-2021 fundraiser.
As students adapted to virtual classes and distanced clinicals, they also found new ways to support research. We extend our gratitude to the students for their creativity and perseverance in 2020. For more information, visit marquettechallenge.com.
FRANCIS WELK, PT, DPT, MED
Treasurer
Thanks to donors like you and careful stewardship, we were able to continue making the Foundation stronger even in this difficult year. For a complete financial statement, follow the link below.
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
