Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant

Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Craig H. Neilsen Foundation
Amount: US $25,000 - US $200,000
Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Summary

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Creating Opportunity & Independence Grant supports programs and research that enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations and rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on projects that foster independence, community participation, and capacity-building. Priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate broad impact and involve individuals with SCI, ensuring their needs and perspectives shape the proposed activities.

Overview

Vision, Mission and Values Inspired by our Founder, Craig H. Neilsen, the Foundation is committed to changing the world for those living with spinal cord injuries and we are driven by our Vision, Mission and Values. Our vision is a statement of what is possible, the picture of the future we want to create. Our mission speaks to our primary purpose. And our values provide the lens for decision-making and define how we will achieve our mission. Our Vision Individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who care for them, live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities. Our Mission Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those living with spinal cord injury. Community Support Grants - Key Information Applicants should describe their request for funding of projects, program support, and/or capacity building within this context: “Projects” are discrete initiatives designed to achieve a specific, identified goal during the funding period. Funding can be requested to develop, launch, or augment solutions that respond to a need or eliminate barriers to participation. "Program support” funds the activities and services provided by organizations that serve the community. Funding may be requested to support or improve participation by persons with SCI. Priority is given to programs that have broad impact, affect people across the lifespan, demonstrate community partnerships and/or empower people with SCI by providing options and opportunities to achieve greater independence. “Capacity building” supports an organization’s effectiveness, operations, and potential for long-term sustainability. Funding may be requested for specified needs such as equipment, alterations that promote access, strategic and/or collaborative planning efforts, staff training, and professional development. These funds are for established organizations and not intended to subsidize start-up costs. Topic Areas Arts, Sports and Recreation: e.g., community partnership initiatives, visual and performing arts programs, equipment, travel funds, event support, or wellness programs.Assistive Technology: i.e., access to a piece of equipment, device, or product system (e.g., an app) to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities.Education: i.e., programs to promote return to school/university, education readiness, literacy interventions, General Education Development courses, tutoring programs. Note: For educational activities used as a tool to advance employment, independent living, or rehabilitation, specify the respective programmatic goal, rather than Education.Employment: e.g., vocational training, local employment placement, return-to-work programs, employment initiatives.Independent Living: e.g., accessible housing to move people with SCI out of nursing homes, adaptive driving programs, consumer education focused on independent living, transition/ reintegration projects, companion animal services, and independent living centers.Rehabilitation: e.g., health/wellness literacy, patient/family education, patient assistance funds, and equipment used in inpatient or outpatient programs.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The grantee must be a nonprofit institution/organization or rehabilitation facility located in the United States or Canada with a demonstrated capability to conduct grant-funded programs or activities. Neilsen Foundation grants are not awarded to individuals, private foundations or non-functionally integrated Type III supporting organizations. The Applicant named in a grant application must be deemed eligible by his/her organization to apply for a grant, and is expected to be responsible for conduct of the grant activities.Generally, an organization may only submit one CO&I application in each program cycle and may hold only one Neilsen Foundation CO&I Community Support Grant at a time. However, major academic or medical organizations (e.g., universities, large medical or healthcare systems) may submit concurrent applications provided that the proposed projects are distinct. If two or more people are directing a project, one must serve as the Applicant; the other(s) should be listed as collaborator(s). The Neilsen Foundation does not recognize co-Applicant leadership on its grants. Salary support for personnel/consultants associated with a project/program is allowed.Requests for general administrative and overhead costs (i.e., indirect costs) are allowed up to 10% of the total cost, exclusive of large equipment acquisition

Ineligibility

Neilsen Foundation grants are not awarded to individuals, private foundations or certain 509(a)(3), Type III supporting organizations. Individuals cannot be the Applicant for more than one submission and cannot have a previously funded Community Support Grant active on the Full Grant Application due date.Concurrent applications from individual members of a given academic or clinical team are discouraged.Equipment purchases may not exceed $125,000 total over the life of the grant.Indirect costs are not allowed on purchases of individual pieces of equipment costing $5,000 or more.Grants are not intended for:Large capital construction or renovationsAcademic scholarshipsConsumer-based conferencesLobbyingProvision of ongoing rehabilitation as a secondary insuranceResearch to develop or test treatments for SCI or medical devices. If Institutional Review Board approval is required, contact the Program Officer before submitting.