Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada Awards Program

This year, as we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada (PFC), the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) was thrilled to re-launch the PFC Awards Program for the 2023 season, with more than $60,000 in bursaries and awards distributed.
The submissions period for the 2023 awards cycle is now closed. The full list of 2023 award recipients is available here.
Check back soon for more information on the 2024 awards program and submission requirements.
If you have questions about the awards program, please contact foundation@physiotherapy.ca.
2023 Awards Program
Alun Morgan Memorial Research Award in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy ($10,000)
The Alun Morgan Memorial Research Award in Orthopaedic Physiotherapy was established in 1989 by the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in honour of the award’s namesake, one of the founders of the Orthopaedic Division and a pioneer of manual therapy in Canada. The Alun Morgan Fund provides support for physiotherapy research projects related to the management of musculoskeletal problems in Canada.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
Ann Collins Whitmore Memorial Scholarship ($4,000)
Ann Collins Whitmore was a dedicated physiotherapist who served her patients from the beginning of her career in the Canadian Military during the Second World War through to the end of her career when she continued to practice though legally blind. Her bequest provides for awards for applicants who have completed a professional physiotherapy program and are enrolled in a PhD or post-professional Masters program. Applicants must be involved in a research project that is part of the academic requirements for completion of their program. Special consideration is made for blind individuals.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
Constance Beattie Memorial Fund Bursary Program ($1,000)
The Constance Beattie Memorial Fund was established by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in 1949 to honour the fund’s namesake, who died in a plane crash at the age of 24 while serving as a dedicated physiotherapist in Canada’s north. Bursaries are made available to successful applicants for continuing education courses that are relevant to their career goals.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
Indigenous Student Scholarship ($2,500)
This award was established to meet the increasing needs of First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit, and Métis students for financial support in pursuing a career in physiotherapy, and to assist them in the pursuit of excellence in their career. Applicants must be a CPA student member (PT or PTA student) to apply.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
NSD–PFC Grant Award for Physiotherapy Research in Neurosciences ($10,000)
The NSD–PFC Grant Award for Physiotherapy Research in Neurosciences was established in 2006 as a result of a joint effort between the Neurosciences Division (NSD) of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada. This award is for projects related to the practice of physiotherapy in neurosciences. The principal investigator must be a CPA member and a member of the NSD in good standing.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
OrthoCanada Research Award in Neck and Back Rehabilitation and Core Stability ($20,000)
The OrthoCanada Research Award in Neck and Back Rehabilitation and Core Stability was established in 2009 by OrthoCanada to encourage development of treatments related to back and neck rehabilitation and core stability. The award is seed funding for mainly pilot or feasibility projects. The award is jointly funded by OrthoCanada and the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada. The principal investigator must be a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
PFC Research Grant in Pain Sciences ($4,000)
Donor funds provide for physiotherapy research in Canada to improve the mobility, health and well-being of society. Applicants must hold a degree in physiotherapy and reside in Canada for the duration of the grant. The awards are seed funds for mainly pilot or feasibility projects with a specific focus on pain science.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
PFC Research Grant in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging ($4,000)
Donor funds provide for physiotherapy research in Canada to improve the mobility, health and well-being of society. Applicants must hold a degree in physiotherapy and reside in Canada for the duration of the grant. The awards are seed funds for mainly pilot or feasibility projects with a specific focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
PFC Research Grant in Long COVID (Post-COVID-19 Condition) ($4,000)
Donor funds provide for physiotherapy research in Canada to improve the mobility, health and well-being of society. Applicants must hold a degree in physiotherapy and reside in Canada for the duration of the grant. The awards are seed funds for mainly pilot or feasibility projects with a specific focus on Long COVID (Post-COVID-19 Condition).
Full Regulations and Eligibility Requirements
Physiotherapist Assistant Grant Program ($2,500)
The Physiotherapist Assistant Grant Program was established by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada in 2015 to support National Physiotherapist Assistant Assembly (NPAA) member(s) to pursue continuing professional development and translate learning in their local community. It also intends to recognize the contribution that NPAA members make to the profession and to CPA. Please note that this grant is not open to students.