The Vona and Marié du Toit Foundation invites applications for a research grant valued at R10 000.00 to support research related to the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA).
This seed grant is intended to stimulate early-stage scholarly work, support pilot studies, and generate foundational data that may lead to larger research projects, publications, or postgraduate theses. The Foundation seeks to advance the global evidence base and scholarly development of the VdTMoCA within occupational therapy.
Purpose of the grant
The grant aims to promote and strengthen high-quality scholarly work that advances:
● Theoretical refinement of the model
● Clinical application and implementation
● Teaching and curriculum innovation
● Outcomes research and evidence generation
● Community-based or contextually relevant applications of the model
Who may apply
Applications are welcomed from:
● Early career or established
● Postgraduate students
● Clinicians applying the VdTMoCA
● Academics engaged in VdTMoCA-related research or teaching
Grant Value
● Total funding available: R10 000.00
● Funds may be used for research-related expenses (e.g., data collection, materials, travel directly related to data collection, research assistance, language editing).
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
● A brief research proposal including background, aim, methods, and expected contribution (max. 2–3 pages)
● Budget outline with justification
● Abbreviated CV (max. 2 pages)
● Proof of ethical approval or plan to obtain ethics clearance (ethical approval will be required before the funds are released)
Key Dates
● Closing date: 31 March 2026
● Outcome notification: 30 April 2026
● Project completion/report due: 3 months after completion of the project
Submission
Please submit applications to: Ms Phalatse nthabisengphalatse@dutoitfoundation.org Subject: V&M du Toit Foundation Research Seed Grant
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
● Scientific merit and methodological rigour
● Alignment with the VdTMoCA
● Feasibility within scope and budget
● Potential contribution to the evidence base
● Capacity building (particularly for emerging researchers)
Reporting & Dissemination Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to:
● Submit a brief final report (3–5 pages)
● Acknowledge the Foundation in any publication or dissemination
● Where possible, present findings at a Foundation-linked event or webinar