Applications due July 31
These instructions are for VU investigators. VUMC investigators should contact LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
Vanderbilt University may submit one application to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants.
As a pillar of the National Paralysis Resource Center, the Quality of Life Grants Program awards financial support to nonprofit organizations that mirror the Reeve Foundation’s mission. Pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, the Quality of Life Grants Program recognizes projects and initiatives that foster community engagement, inclusion and involvement while promoting health and wellness for individuals living with paralysis and their families.
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).
The Quality of Life Grants Program consists of Direct Effect, Priority Impact and Expanded Impact grants. Only the Direct Effect grant is available to VU during the fall funding cycle.
Direct Effect (Tier 1) is open-focused and awards grants of up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities. Grants fund programs and projects that will clearly impact individuals living with paralysis and their families (see full program details). Funded projects must be completed within 12 months after the award is received.
Eligibility requirements and restrictions
Examples of funded projects may include (but are not limited to): sports wheelchairs for a wheelchair basketball team; adapted glider in a community playground; kayak for a rowing program; accessible gym equipment; hydraulic lift at a pool; electronic door openers at a community center; wheelchair accessible picnic table at a county fairground; camp programs; subsidized lessons for therapeutic riding; transportation costs for an inclusive after-school program; and support groups. These grants will have short- to- medium-range impact. Long-range impact and sustainability are not expected for projects funded at this level. For more eligibility information, refer to the program’s eligibility requirements.
Please note that the Reeve Foundation does not fund research projects.
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 and/or underserved population groups.
For a comprehensive look at projects sponsored by the foundation, please refer to Quality of Life previous awardees. Note that VU is eligible to submit an application only for the Direct Effect category and not for the Expanded Impact category.
See the program page and application guidelines for more information.
Internal submission instructions
Interested faculty should visit https://vanderbilt.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1909901 to submit an application for the internal LSO competition and to find additional information about the opportunity. The deadline for the internal competition is July 31, 2023.
Any questions about this opportunity may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.