Since 1949. the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) has served as the philanthropic heart of the osteopathic medical profession. The AOF is the only national osteopathic foundation that supports and invests in the entire profession by recognizing osteopathic physicians based solely on professional merit, regardless of specialty affiliation. Contributions to the AOF benefit thousands of osteopathic medical professionals through a broad range of grants, awards and scholarships that recognize osteopathic medical students, physicians, educators and researchers for academic distinction, humanitarian outreach, clinical excellence and lifetime achievement. The AOF's mission is to support programs and services that promote osteopathic medicine and enhance patient-centered care.