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Funding for Nonprofits / Quality of Life Grants

Pioneered by Dana Reeve, the Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations that impact and empower people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers. Learn more about the program and find out how to apply.

The application is now closed.

The application for the 2024 2nd Cycle Direct Effect and Priority Impact grants process is now closed.

online grant portal
Quality of Life Grantee for wheelchair softball

About the Quality of Life Grants Program

The Quality of Life Grants Program, created by the late Dana Reeve, strives to empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing grants to nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life through inclusion, access, independence, opportunities for community engagement, and other life-enhancing endeavors.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program, created by the late Dana Reeve, has awarded since its inception in 1999 a total of over $44 million to more than 3,800 projects across the United States of America. Grants have funded nonprofits, tribal entities, and municipalities for a wide array of projects, programs, and services.

See Program Overview

“Our Quality of Life program is about freedom.”

Dana Reeve

1961-2006

The late Dana Reeve passionately believed that while working towards a cure, there are millions of people who deserve an improved quality of life.

Read more about Dana Reeve

How to Apply for a Quality of Life Grant:

1. Get Informed

2. Qualify

3. Apply Online

  • Nonprofit organizations that fit the eligibility criteria are invited to apply through our online grants portal.

Helpful Information

Quality of Life Grant Application Process

Guidance on how to apply for a Quality of Life grant, as well as the timeline and templates to get you started.

Current and Past Grantees

We have awarded $44 million in grants since 1999. Browse past grantees to learn more about previous projects.

FAQs

Who should apply?

  • Applications are welcome from nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status, municipal and state governments, school districts, recognized tribal entities and other institutions such as community or veterans hospitals.

Do you award grants to individuals?

  • No. The Reeve Foundation cannot award grants to individuals, but our team of Information Specialists can help you identify resources that provide financial assistance. You can call us toll-free at 1-800-539-7309 or send us a question through our simple online form.

Do you give special consideration to programs for veterans or diverse communities?

  • Yes. The Reeve Foundation gives special consideration to organizations that serve returning wounded military and their families, and to those that provide targeted services to diverse cultural communities.

What kind of projects do you fund?

  • Please refer to the Quality of Life Grants Program Overview page for a description of Direct Effect, Priority Impact, and Expanded Impact projects funded. We strongly encourage requests to support the launch of new initiatives or the expansion of existing projects that serve individuals living with paralysis, their families and caregivers.

How do you define “organizations that provide services to individuals impacted by paralysis”?

  • Grants are awarded to organizations that address the needs of people living with paralysis caused by spinal cord and other injuries, diseases or birth conditions, including (but not limited to) stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also support initiatives that are focused on caregiving and improving the quality of life of family members who are caring for a loved one living with disability.


The answers to most questions can be found withing the application guidelines located on the Application Process page. If you have other questions, please email [email protected].

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.