Special Note: "While working towards a cure, there are millions of people with disabilities who deserve an improved quality of life. It is my passion to help disabled individuals, their families and caregivers in ways that will more immediately give them increased independence, day-to-day happiness and improved access. Our Quality of Life program is about freedom." --Dana Reeve Since 1999, the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) has provided 842 Quality of Life grants for a grand total of $7,401,103 million to organizations nationwide that help improve opportunities, access and day-to-day quality of life for individuals living with disabilities, primarily paralysis, and their families. This program recognizes the unique and numerous needs of these individuals and the importance of providing services and programs that enable them to participate in all areas of life. Quality of Life Grants Quality of Life grants, conceived by Dana Reeve, CRF Director and Chair of the Quality of Life Grants committee, are given to programs or projects that improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice yearly to programs in thirteen categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation and therapeutic riding. Health Promotion Grants Health Promotion grants were launched by CRF in 2001 in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Grant No. U10/CCU220379-01). These grants are awarded to non-profit organizations that address the needs of people living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries and other injuries, diseases and birth defects, including (but not limited to) stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. All funding for the health promotion grants is provided by the CDC's grant to the Foundation. Who Should Apply CRF is dedicated to ensuring, through the Quality of Life grants, that agencies serving individuals with spinal cord injuries and paralysis caused by other injuries, diseases and birth defects have the necessary funding to implement the programs and services vital to these communities. The Foundation aids larger organizations in representing and protecting individuals with disabilities on a national level as well as local groups in having an immediate and practical impact on individual lives. The awards fulfill a variety of needs for the recipient organizations by providing grants of up to $25,000. Funding has been awarded for such needs as dormitory hospital beds for an assistance dog training center, scholarships to adaptive sports and outdoor programs, support groups, advocacy campaigns, websites that promote self esteem for children who use wheelchairs, and outreach programs. The program strives to ensure diversity among recipient organizations. Please note that CRF does not make grants to individuals. Individuals seeking resources that may be able to provide financial assistance should contact the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, a program of CRF, at www.paralysis.org or call toll-free 1-800-539-7309 and ask to speak with an Information Specialist. |