Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join CFOT?


The CFOT is a foundation and not a membership organization. There are no dues or fees. The CFOT is a public benefit organization that relies on donations from individuals who wish to support the educational and research aims to provide scholarships, research grants, and seed money for research and/or educational programs in occupational therapy. Please see the "Invitation for Involvement" page for more details.


Is the CFOT part of the American Occupational Therapy Foundation?


No. The CFOT is a separately organized and administered foundation that serves only occupational therapists in California. It has it’s own mission and vision.


Is the CFOT part of OTAC?


No, they are separate organizations. The CFOT is a foundation which exists for the purpose of helping support students, practitioners, and researchers advance their knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing occupational therapy services to the public.   The Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) is a state membership organization which connects occupational therapists professionally throughout the state of California. OTAC serves, supports, and promotes the profession of occupational therapy and its practitioners. Although the organizations are separate, they are supportive of one another. Check www.otaconline.org


How can I find an occupational therapist to work with my family member?


The CFOT does not maintain a list of licensed occupational therapists. Check with OTAC, the state organization.


How do I become an occupational therapist?


To become an occupational therapist, individuals must graduate from an academic program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). They are then eligible to take the National Certification Examination developed by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). In California ,as in many states,occupational therapists need to be licensed by a state board to function in many roles as an occupational therapist. This is another step in the process. In California, the licensure board is the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT). Visit the websites of AOTA, NBCOT, and CBOT for more information.


How do I find an occupational therapist to fill a position in my institution?


The short answer is to contact OTAC, the state organization, and ask to have your position posted on their website. The long answer is there are many job opportunities in California and in the nation for occupational therapists. By giving money for a scholarship in occupational therapy through the CFOT, you can contribute to educating an occupational therapist, publicizing your institution to the occupational therapy community, and increasing occupational therapists in California.


How do I obtain a scholarship through CFOT?


The CFOT provides entry level and post professional level scholarships , and technical level traineeships to students. Please click on the scholarship and traineeship section on this website and be mindful of application due dates.


How can I contribute to the CFOT?


There are many ways to contribute to the CFOT. The major ways are to make a monetary donation to support CFOT functions such as the CFOT luncheon held in conjunction with the annual OTAC conference, and to contribute items to the silent auction which is also held in conjunction with the silent auction. The CFOT is a 501(c) (3) public benefit organization. Donations are tax deductible.


Monetary donations may include any amount. A minimum donation of $1000 is required to provide a named scholarship for an occupational therapy student and $500 to provide a traineeship for an occupational therapy assistant student. Many donations are in honor of or memory of others.


Other ways of contributing are to serve on one of the many committees of the CFOT . For example, serve as a reviewer of scholarship or research grant applications.


How can I help assure that CFOT can make donations of scholarships and research grants in the future?


Join the Legacy Circle! Your contribution of $2,500. goes to establish an endowment that ensures future donations.  Earnings  are invested and grow in value so the principal amount continues to support future California Occupational Therapists.   Payments can be made  in installments and, once completed, donors are recognized in publications and highlighted in other ways.


Enhancing Quality and Knowledge of Occupational Therapy Services Through Support of Occupational Therapy Research and Educational Endeavors

CFOT Brochure
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