The program was inspired by Dana Reeve’s early experience navigating life after Christopher’s injury. Feeling overwhelmed by a sea of information, Dana recognized the need for a more coordinated framework of support for individuals, families, and caregivers affected by paralysis. In 1999, she helped establish the Reeve Foundation’s grants program, which awarded approximately $2 million to nonprofit organizations. The program quickly became a cornerstone of the Foundation’s work and a lasting part of Dana’s legacy. She played a leading role in overseeing the individual grants and supporting the organizations working to improve quality of life in their communities.
With the creation of the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) in 2002, the program expanded significantly. Since then, the NPRC has awarded more than $50 million to more than 4,000 projects, programs, and services in all 50 states, helping communities develop solutions that respond to the real-world needs of people living with paralysis.
The NPRC is a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. Since its inception, the PRC has helped tens of thousands of people living with paralysis access critical resources and information to elevate their quality of life. It is Dana’s legacy, a place to reach out for help, guidance, and support.
As a pillar of the NPRC, the Quality of Life Grants program awards financial support to nonprofit organizations that mirror the Reeve Foundation’s mission. The grants focus on programs or projects that foster community engagement and involvement, while promoting health and wellness for individuals living with paralysis.
At the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, we are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.
As we begin a new three-year federal funding period, we are thoughtfully evolving the Quality of Life Grants Program to make it more community-centered, responsive, and impactful. We are also exploring new ways to fund projects, engage communities, and understand their outcomes.
We are grateful to organizations across the country that share our commitment to strengthening communities and advancing the Reeve Foundation’s mission. We deeply appreciate your dedication to improving the lives of people living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.
As we shape and evolve the program’s future, we look forward to building on this shared commitment and creating meaningful, lasting change in communities.
The Quality of Life Grants Program will return.
During this evolution, we are temporarily suspending application submissions. Additional information about the redesigned program, eligibility, funding opportunities, and future application timelines will be shared here as it becomes available. Please bookmark this page. We appreciate your patience, partnership, and continued commitment to improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. We are very excited to sharing this next chapter with you!
While the Quality of Life Grants Program is evolving, important elements of the program will remain.
We anticipate continuing to support eligible organizations whose work addresses the needs of people living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers and advances opportunities for greater independence, health and wellness, community engagement, and quality of life.
Eligible applicants will continue to include organizations such as:
The program will remain focused on organizations serving people living with paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and other injuries, diseases, and birth conditions, including stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We will also continue to recognize the important role of families and caregivers in improving quality of life.
Grants will continue to be awarded to eligible organizations and will not be awarded directly to individuals.
While these foundational elements will remain, specific eligibility requirements, funding priorities, award amounts, application processes, and other program details are currently being developed and will be announced with the launch of the redesigned Quality of Life Grants Program.
Spotlight Stories
Click here to read spotlight stories from previous recipients to see how our Quality of Life Grants Program improved the lives of those living with paralysis in the community they serve.
Read about past recipients of the Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program.
Please note that these guidelines specifically refer to “person-first language” which puts a person before their diagnosis, such as being a person with a disability.
Please check back for updates about the next chapter of the Quality of Life Grants Program, including program details, eligibility information, and future funding opportunities.
Get updates via email by filling out the form below.
Quality of Life Grants are awarded to eligible organizations and are not awarded directly to individuals.
If you are living with paralysis, a family member, or a caregiver looking for information, guidance, or resources, our Information Specialists are here to help connect you with resources and support.
Our Peer & Family Support Program connects people living with paralysis and their family members with trained peer mentors who understand the questions, challenges, and experiences that can come with living with paralysis.
Whether you are newly navigating paralysis, looking for support from someone with shared experiences, or seeking connection as a family member or caregiver, peer support is available.
The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $10,000,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
