General Program Questions

What is the AAOS IDEA Grant Program?
The AAOS IDEA Grant Program is a multi-year initiative to inspire diversity, equity, and access within the field of orthopaedics. With the intention of awarding $200,000 per year, the program will fund educational, community, or outreach projects or programs. It reaffirms the AAOS’ commitment to lead and prompt real, lasting, and measurable change.

Who can apply to this program?
U.S. not-for-profit organizations and educational entities are eligible to apply for grant funding.

How do I know if my organization is eligible to apply?
Not-for-profit organizations must have an IRS Determination Letter to be eligible. State-owned or -supported educational entities may also apply for funding.

What type of projects are eligible for funding? What cannot be funded?
The proposed project must be focused upon the elimination of bias/discrimination or the promotion of diversity, equity, and/or inclusion (DEI) within the orthopaedic surgery specialty. It is strongly suggested that the program contain an education component.

Indirect costs are not eligible for funding.

Can I request an application by mail or email?
Applications will only be accepted via the electronic link. 

Will the AAOS accept more than one application from an organization?
Yes, organizations can apply for grant funding in up to two tracks per grant cycle.

If my organization applied to another DEI-related grant program, are we eligible to submit a proposal to the AAOS IDEA Grant Program?
Yes. Other sources of funding is one criteria AAOS considers to ensure that programs receiving grant funding are financially viable.

What are the AAOS’ funding priorities?
The AAOS IDEA Grant Program is intended to provide resources and create opportunities for a diverse pipeline of individuals who choose to go into orthopaedics as a profession; foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for community-based or academic orthopaedic surgeons; and expand the availability of AAOS educational and networking opportunities to diverse students and practicing orthopaedic surgeons. Diversity focus areas of the program may include but will not be limited to gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQ+, socioeconomic, veteran status, and disability.

Program funds will be allocated between four tracks, each with a different DEI focus and target recipient. Additional funding from AAOS supporters may be added to help support and extend the reach of the initiative.

Will the AAOS award multi-year grants through the AAOS IDEA Grant Program?
Yes, grants may be eligible for multi-year funding. Final funding decisions are made solely by the AAOS Board of Directors.

Our organization does not have a specific DEI focus. Does that make us ineligible or less competitive?
For information on eligibility criteria, please contact IDEAgrant@aaos.org.

How much will the AAOS give each year and what is the range of grants provided?
AAOS will grant $200,000 per year, with the potential for additional funding from AAOS supporters. The amount of available funding will be announced prior to opening the annual grant application period. For more information, review the General Terms or email IDEAgrant@aaos.org.

Application Process

When is the deadline for applications?
The application timeline can be found at aaos.org/IDEA.

How are the program tracks structured?
Grant funds will be allocated between four tracks, each with a different DEI focus and target recipient. More information about each track is avaiable at AAOS IDEA Grant Program - Tracks.

Do applicants need to submit a letter of inquiry before completing the AAOS IDEA Grant Program application?
No. A letter of inquiry is not required. Interested organizations must complete the application to be considered. 

What components are you looking for in application?
Please refer to AAOS IDEA Grant Program - Application Criteria.

If we submit an application this year that is NOT funded, how soon can we submit another application?
Grant applications will be open on an annual basis. Applications for 2025 funding will open in spring 2024.

What if I cannot submit my application by the stated deadline? Can I get an extension?
No extensions to the application deadline will be granted. 

Grant Notification and Selection Process

What is the AAOS’ process for reviewing applications?
The AAOS Diversity Advisory Board members review applications based on the set evaluation criteria.

Will applicants have an opportunity to address questions during the review period?
Additional information may be requested during the application review process if the review team deems it necessary.

Will the AAOS provide feedback on applications that do not receive funding?
Yes, feedback will be provided to applicants who are not selected for funding.

Who is responsible for reviewing / recommending grant recommendations?
Grant applications are reviewed and evaluated by members of the AAOS Diversity Advisory Board, and final recommendations will be presented to the AAOS Board of Directors for final approval.

When will applicants be contacted about the status of their application?
Please refer to the application timeline on aaos.org/IDEA.

How do I know if you received my application?
Grant applicants will receive a confirmation email once the application is submitted.