Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Announces Direct Effect Quality of Life Grants

SHORT HILLS, N.J., /PRNewswire/ -- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) announced today that it has 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 (ACL grant #90PRRC0002-01-01).

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.

“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,” said Maggie Goldberg, Vice President of Policy and Programs, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “These projects will have a tremendous impact on those who benefit from their services.”

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,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program. “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.”

The full list grantees are available on the Reeve Foundation website. A few examples of this cycle’s recipients of the Direct Effect Grant include:

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.

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information, and advocacy. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is a program of the Reeve Foundation and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (cooperative agreement number 90PRRC0002-01-01). For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.

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SOURCE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation