The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants support initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals living with paralysis and their families. For the 2025 grant cycle, the program offers three tiers of funding: Direct Effect Grants (Tier 1), Priority Impact Grants (Tier 3), and Expanded Impact Grants (Tier 5). These grants aim to fund impactful programs and services across the United States, emphasizing accessibility, independence, and community engagement.

Applications for the first grant cycle open on January 21, 2025, and proposals must be submitted by February 28, 2025. Decisions will be announced by May 30, 2025, and grant periods vary by tier. Direct Effect grants run from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, while Priority Impact grants, including the new Gun Violence Prevention Pilot, run until December 31, 2026. Expanded Impact grants support scaling previously funded projects and extend from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2027.

Direct Effect grants provide funding up to $24,999 for a broad range of programs benefiting individuals with paralysis. Priority Impact grants target high-priority issues like gun violence prevention, with higher funding limits. Expanded Impact grants allow organizations to grow successful projects funded in previous cycles, further demonstrating their effectiveness and reach. All applications must be submitted online through the foundation’s grant portal.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. residents, with projects required to take place within the United States. To assist applicants, the foundation offers resources such as budget templates, evaluation guides, and webinars. A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for February 6, 2025, providing guidance on the application process, outcome-based evaluation, and budget preparation.

The application review process involves external peer evaluations from March 10 to March 28, followed by internal reviews from April 1 to April 28. Funded projects must submit periodic progress reports and a final report demonstrating impact and outcomes. Applicants are encouraged to use outcome-based evaluation methods to measure the success of their projects and articulate their value to stakeholders effectively.

The Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants are a vital resource for organizations working to improve the lives of those with paralysis. By supporting impactful, well-planned projects, the foundation continues to champion independence, inclusion, and quality of life for individuals and families across the nation. For more information or to apply, visit the Reeve Foundation’s website.