Academy of Physical Therapy Education Gives Half Million Dollar Gift to Advance Physical Therapy Education

The $500,000 donation to the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research will enhance the development and implementation of evidence-based education practices.

ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 16, 2019) – The Academy of Physical Therapy Education (APTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association, made a $500,000 gift to the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (Foundation). This substantial gift strengthens the Foundation’s funding for grants and scholarships to advance education research in physical therapy.

“The APTE’s investment will fund groundbreaking education research,” said Foundation President, Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA. “The entire physical therapy profession benefits from rigorous, evidence-based education and strong research. This gift fosters both.”

APTE, formerly known as the Education Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, established an endowment fund in 2007.  APTE invests in the development of each new generation of physical therapy practitioners through professional development and research.

“The Education Endowment Fund drives our mission and vision by expanding the community of physical therapy researchers through support for post-professional education,” said President Pamela Levangie, PT, DPT, DSc, FAPTA. “Enhancing the endowment also adds a sustainable source of grant funding that should elevate educational research in physical therapy.”

Beginning in 2019, the Education Endowment Fund will support a Promotion of Doctoral Studies I or II Scholarship in alternating years. Additionally, the gift will allow the Foundation to offer a $40,000 Education Research Grant every other year beginning in 2020.

Learn more about the Foundation’s funding opportunities and how you can apply for an education research scholarship or grant.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy was established in 1979 as a national, independent nonprofit organization to fund physical therapy research to optimize health and movement. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in research grants, fellowships and scholarships. Many of today’s leading physical therapy researchers, clinicians, and academicians began their careers with this support. Foundation-funded researchers have gone on to secure more than $824 million in follow-on funding.

To donate or learn more, visit www.Foundation4pt.org or call 800/875-13678.

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