PVA Research Grants & Fellowships

The Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation offers grants and fellowships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries and diseases. With a history of funding over $54 million since 1976, the foundation supports innovative research across categories like Basic Science, Clinical Applications, Design & Development, and Fellowships. Grants can reach up to $200,000, fostering advancements in medical technologies and training for future experts in spinal cord research.

From transplanting cells and regenerating damaged nerve fibers to designing adaptive canoe seats, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation supports innovative research and fellowships that improve the lives of those with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D). The Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, last year funded $796,402 in grants, and since its inception in 1976, we’ve invested 644 grants for a total of $54,109,999. The grant funds the following categories:
Basic Science - laboratory research in the basic sciences to find a cure for SCI/DClinical - clinical and functional studies of the medical, psychosocial and economic effects of SCI/D, and interventions to alleviate these effectsDesign and Development - of new or improved rehabilitative and assistive technology/devices for people with SCI/D to improve function, which also includes improving the identification, selection and utilization of these devices.Fellowships - for postdoctoral scientists, clinicians and engineers to encourage training and specialization in the field of spinal cord research
The Research Foundations now supports one, two or three year grants in the four areas of emphasis. Grants in Basic Science, Clinical Applications, and Design & Development categories will now be funded up to $200,000 for the grant period and Grants in the Fellowship category will now be funded up to $150,000 for the grant period.

Eligibility

Eligible grantee institutions must be located in the United States or Canada. Applications are accepted from fiscally responsible organizational entities in the name of the Principal Investigator (applicant).Applications are accepted from fiscally responsible organizational entities in the name of the Principal Investigator (applicant).Entities should be not-for-profit academic institutions, healthcare providers, associations, and/or organizations.Investigators and fellows are not required to be U.S. or Canadian citizens.All grant applicants must have a professional degree: Ph.D. or M.D. preferred.Senior fellows are encouraged to apply as principal investigators.Post-doctoral scientists are eligible to apply for fellowship support within four years of receiving a Ph.D. or completing M.D. residency.Graduate students can participate in Foundation-related research and be paid from a Foundation award. However, graduate students cannot apply for a Foundation grant as a fellow or as a principal investigator.

Ineligibility

PVA does not make grants to for-profit companies.