The Podiatry Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $600,000+
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 5 weeks
• Grant Range: Not specified per grant; up to $1,000,000 aggregate annually
• Geographic Focus: National (US)

Contact Details

• Website: https://thepodiatry.foundation
• Grant Portal: https://podiatryfoundation.smapply.io
• Grants Contact: Lori Albert - lori@thepodiatry.foundation
• Address: 1887 Wingfield Drive, Longwood, FL 32779

Overview

The Podiatry Foundation (formerly OCPM Foundation, EIN: 34-0726107) was established in 2012 following the merger of Kent State University and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. With assets of approximately $23 million, the foundation awards over $600,000 annually to advance podiatric medical education, research, and clinical care nationwide. The foundation made a historic $10 million commitment to Kent State's College of Podiatric Medicine in 2021 and rebranded as The Podiatry Foundation in 2019 to reflect its expanded national scope.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Research Support Program: One-year grants for podiatric medicine research projects
• Educational Support Program: Funding for educational technology, outreach, and medical mission trips
• Clinical Support Program: Projects advancing podiatric clinical care
• CME Support: Continuing medical education courses and lectures
• Event Support: Fundraising galas, races, walks related to podiatric medicine

Priority Areas

• Podiatric medical education and training
• Foot and ankle care research
• Student scholarships for future podiatrists
• Medical mission trips providing podiatric care
• Support for podiatric medical organizations

What They Don't Fund

• For-profit organizations
• Direct grants to individuals
• Capital projects
• Operating expenses
• Indirect costs
• Travel expenses
• Lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Eugene M. Pascarella, DPM, FACFAS, MBA - Graduate of Kent State's College of Podiatric Medicine, Regional Medical Director for Upperline Health

Board Leadership: Nicki D. Nigro, DPM (Grants Committee Chair), Victoria J. Newman, CPA (Philanthropic Impact Chair), Jon Carlson, MBA (Treasurer)

The foundation's goal is "to be the predominant philanthropic source for all podiatric medical groups nationwide, including the nine current colleges of podiatric medicine."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Two-stage online application process:

1. Submit Letter of Intent via podiatryfoundation.smapply.io
2. Await LOI review (up to 10 business days)
3. If approved, submit full application within 60 days
4. Full review completed within 15 business days

Applications accepted on rolling basis. Submit at least 3 months before project start date.

Decision Timeline

• LOI Review: 10 business days
• Full Application Review: 15 business days
• Total: Approximately 5 weeks

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Denied applications can be resubmitted without waiting period. Multiple simultaneous applications permitted.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate direct podiatry relevance: Projects must be "exclusively" related to podiatric medical education or research
• Quantify impact: Specify number of students, practitioners, or patients reached
• Highlight student involvement: Projects involving podiatric students and residents align with foundation priorities
• Apply early: Allow 4-5 months lead time before project start
• Emphasize national reach: Foundation seeks nationwide impact across all nine podiatric colleges
• Include innovation: Technology-enhanced education (VR, advanced anatomy software) resonates
• Consider medical missions: International podiatric care outreach with educational components welcomed

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Podiatry-specific only: Must directly relate to podiatric medicine - no adjacent healthcare fields
• Rolling application process: No fixed deadlines but allow 3+ months before project start
• Currently on hiatus: Grantmaking paused through mid-2026 - monitor website for reopening
• Five distinct grant categories: Frame application within Research, Educational, Clinical, CME, or Event Support
• National scope welcomed: Don't self-exclude if not Ohio-based
• Contact grant specialist: Reach out to Lori Albert (lori@thepodiatry.foundation) before submitting LOI
• Significant capacity: $23M assets with $600K+ annual giving suggests room for substantial requests

References

1. The Podiatry Foundation Official Website: https://thepodiatry.foundation/ (accessed February 2026)
2. The Podiatry Foundation Grant Applications: https://thepodiatry.foundation/grant-applications/ (accessed February 2026)
3. The Podiatry Foundation Resources & FAQs: https://thepodiatry.foundation/resources-faqs/ (accessed February 2026)
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - OCPM Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/340726107 (accessed February 2026)
5. Kent State University News - $10 Million Gift: https://www.kent.edu/kent/news/success/kent-states-college-podiatric-medicine-receive-historic-10-million-gift-podiatry (accessed February 2026)
6. CauseIQ - OCPM Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ocpm-foundation,340726107/ (accessed February 2026)