Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

Society of Health and Physical Educators
SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in school-based health education and physical education. For decades, SHAPE America’s National Physical Education Standards have served as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country, just as the SHAPE America National Health Education Standards serve as the foundation for effective skills-based health education. Together, these national standards provide a comprehensive framework for educators to deliver high-quality instruction and make a positive difference in the health and well-being of every preK-12 student.
Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife, Irene, established the Tommy Wilson Memorial Award in honor of their youngest son, Tommy, who was born with cerebral palsy and passed away in 1974 at the age of 16. Because of Tommy, Dr. Wilson became involved in recreation for developmentally disabled individuals. Dr. Wilson is remembered as a great leader and inspiration in the field of leisure and recreation. His legacy carries on through the Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant.
The grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. Applicants may be funded under this grant only once per five-year period.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered):
The program must provide a specific direct service to individuals with disabilities.The program must focus on recreational pursuits for individuals with disabilities.The applicant must have a successful record of programming for individuals with disabilities.The applicant must be a nonprofit organization.Funds must go directly to supporting individuals with disabilities in recreational activities (e.g., equipment, housing, registration fees, facilities).

Ineligibility

Grants may not be used to cover administrative costs.