The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) recently awarded 32 Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants, totaling $523,879. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis.
Since the program’s inception, 3,064 grants totaling over $24 million have been awarded. Funding for this new cycle of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.
The Direct Effect Grants fund organizations up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities that will clearly impact individuals living with paralysis and their families. The projects and programs funded within these grants are for short-to-mid-term impact within local communities, according to a media release from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
“We are thrilled to award Quality of Life grants to organizations directly serving people living with paralysis to enhance their independence and engagement in their communities,” says Maggie Goldberg, vice president of policy and programs, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, in the release. “These projects will have a tremendous impact on those who benefit from their services.”
Via the grants, the Reeve Foundation funded a wide variety of projects from employment programs to accessible playground projects and adaptive sports programs.
“In the spirit of Dana Reeve’s legacy, and our ongoing partnership with ACL, this diverse cohort of grantees promises far reaching outcomes and addresses deeply important issues of our day such as sexual abuse prevention, LGBTQ inclusion, and adaptive technology to enhance independence,” states Mark Bogosian, director, Quality of Life Grants Program, in the release.
“We firmly believe that these projects will make a difference and positively change the lives of those individuals, families, and communities served by the work of these important and dedicated organizations.”
Among the grantees, per the release, are:
Council for Developmental Disabilities, Norman, OK  $15,458
Grant funds will support the funding of a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, which will be used to provide transportation to residents and assist ABLE’s vocational programs. This vehicle will allow residents to enjoy group outings and social activities, as well as participate in opportunities in the community, such as shopping and attending local events – activities that many residents would never otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy.
Eskenazi Health Foundation Indianapolis, IN$18,800
With the creation of a job portal website, current and past interns can search and apply for job opportunities, as well as enable businesses seeking to employ candidates from the program to identify and recruit from intern resumes. The website will promote full-time, sustainable employment of approximately 65 individuals with physical disabilities including paralysis in the active workforce.
Madison Claire Foundation Woodbury, MN$15,000
The accessible playground will benefit approximately 15,000 individuals living with paralysis, their families, and children with other physical and developmental disabilities by providing a year-round accessible play space. Grant funds will support the purchase of wheelchair accessible ramps for the playground, allowing children affected by paralysis to reach every facet of the play structures.
[Source(s): Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, PR Newswire]