The AAOS IDEA Grant Program^®  is intended to provide resources for many types of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, such as those which: 

• Support a diverse pipeline of individuals who choose to go into orthopaedics as a profession
• Foster diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for community-based or academic orthopaedic surgeons
• Expand the availability of AAOS educational and networking opportunities to diverse students and practicing orthopaedic surgeons 

“The programs selected for an AAOS IDEA Grant will help to cultivate meaningful and measurable opportunities across orthopaedics, acting as a springboard for change within our profession. This is not about checking a box; this program opens a door for funding directly to the local and regional orthopaedic programs and organizations who are training the current and next generation.”

Holly Tyler-Paris Pilson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA
AAOS Diversity Advisory Board (DAB) Chair

Application Timeline

The application period for 2025 IDEA grants opens April 1. Applications will be reviewed by the AAOS Diversity Advisory Board (DAB) with final approval of recipients by the AAOS Board of Directors.

See Grant Recipients Tab for list of the 2023 and 2024 IDEA grant recipients.

IDEA Grant Tracks

Program funds will be allocated between four tracks, each with a different DEI focus and target recipient.

Track 1 – Touchpoints: Grants are designed to support single event programs that promote DEI initiatives in the field of orthopaedic surgery. These funds may be used to expand opportunities for traditional or established pathway programs that attract diverse medical students and residents to orthopaedics.

Track 2 – Retention: Grants are intended to support organizations, programs and events with a longitudinal focus on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce in orthopaedic surgery.

Track 3 – Community retention/support: Grants are intended to support programs and events with a focus on retaining and supporting a diverse workforce in orthopaedic surgery in a private, remote setting or outside of an academic institution.

Track 4 – Academic retention/support: Grants are intended to support programs and events with a focus on retaining and supporting a diverse workforce in orthopaedic surgery within U.S. academic centers.

Application Criteria

The proposed program must be focused upon the elimination of bias or the promotion of diversity, equity, and/or inclusion within the specialty of orthopaedic surgery.

Only U.S. not-for-profit corporations and state-owned entities, such as public medical schools, are eligible to apply for grant funds.

Keys to a Successful Application

The DAB hosted a webinar on April 25 detailing tips for successful applications. Key takeaways included:

1. If applying for multiple programs/tracks, applicants should clearly identify the difference in programs and ensure there is no overlap. Communication between all application points of contact is key!
2. Programs that have received funding the previous year must submit a Mid-Year Funding Report for the application to be eligible. The Mid-Year Funding Report template is available in the application.
3. Programs are eligible for multi-year funding once a program is established and showing positive impact and outcomes.

Supporters

Funding from industry partners helps extend the reach of this grant program.