ACL's National Paralysis Resource Center (managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation) will open a new funding opportunity for community-based organizations that serve people living with any type of paralysis. The new application cycle for the Direct Effect Quality of Life (up to $25,000) and High Impact Quality of Life (up to $50,000) grants on September 9. Applications are due Thursday, October 22.
Direct Effect QOL grants offer up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations for projects that clearly impact individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. High Impact QOL grants will fund projects in the following high-priority areas: Transportation, Respite/Caregiving, and Disaster Response (grants up to $30,000); Nursing Home Transition (grants up to $40,000); and Employment (grants up to $50,000).
The High Impact Priority Employment grants are a top priority because it's one of the four pillars of the Americans with Disabilities Act and one of the most challenging obstacles to individuals living with paralysis. In addition, gainful employment allows people living with paralysis to achieve enhanced financial security, higher quality of life, and improved community connections.
Quality of Life (QOL) grants are federally funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL). Organizations that have previously been awarded a Quality of Life grant in any category may re-apply for funding one year following the close of their grant and notification of grant closure by the Reeve Foundation.
Applicants are encouraged to read the updated Application and Program Guidelines, which include new Eligibility Criteria, and to visit the Reeve Foundation website for an overview of the QOL grant program and the QOL grant application process.
A free Application Technical Assistance Webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST. Register here.
QOL grant applications are available and are to be completed online through the Reeve Foundation online grants portal by Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET.
The Foundation is no longer able to provide individual pre-award assistance either by telephone or email. However, they welcome questions about the application process to QOL@ChristopherReeve.org. All questions submitted via email will be collected, aggregated, and answered in a Questions and Answers document posted on their website. The deadline for emailed questions is Monday, September 21.
ACL funds the Paralysis Resource Center to provide comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility-related disabilities and their support networks. Resources include information and referral by phone and email in multiple languages including Spanish; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; quality of life grants; and a national website.