Quality of Life Grants Program

Created by Dana Reeve, the Quality of Life Grants Program aims to empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing grants to nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life through inclusion, access, independence, community engagement opportunities, and other initiatives that enhance lives.

Geographic Scope: United States only

Focus Areas:

• Direct Effect projects
• High Impact Priority projects
• High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology projects
• Expanded Effects projects
• Support for launching new initiatives or expanding existing projects serving individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers

Eligible Organization Types:

• Nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status
• Municipal and state governments
• School districts
• Recognized tribal entities
• Other institutions (community centers, hospitals serving veterans)

Populations Served:

• Individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other injuries, diseases, or birth conditions including:
  • Stroke
  • Spina bifida
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Family members and caregivers of individuals living with disability

Special Considerations:

• The Foundation gives special consideration to organizations serving wounded returning military and their families
• The Foundation gives special consideration to organizations providing targeted services to diverse cultural communities

Impact: The program has funded 3,153 programs nationwide, granting over $28 million to nonprofit organizations

Program Philosophy: Dana Reeve believed that while working toward a cure, millions of people deserve a better quality of life.

Phone Support: 1-800-539-7309 (toll-free)

Application Process

Who Should Apply:

• Larger organizations supporting individuals with physical disabilities at the national level
• Local groups with immediate and practical impact on individual lives

Does the Foundation Grant to Individuals?

• No. The Reeve Foundation cannot grant funds to individuals, but the information specialist team can help identify resources that provide financial assistance

How to Apply:

1. Email [email protected] with your application or inquiries
2. For questions about the Quality of Life Grants Program, contact the same email address
3. Visit the Quality of Life Grants Program overview page for detailed project type descriptions

Required Information:

• Organization's IRS 501(c)(3) status or equivalent documentation
• Description of project(s) seeking funding
• Evidence of impact on individuals with paralysis or their families/caregivers
• Information about target population served

Encouraged Applications:

• Support for launching new initiatives
• Expansion of existing projects
• Programs serving individuals living with paralysis
• Programs supporting families and caregivers