Programs

What We Fund

Driven by our Core Values

Our work would not be possible without each of our grantees. With our portfolios and collaborative partnerships rooted in the core values that drive us as a Foundation, we hope that each grant we fund gets us all closer to a world where individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who care for them, live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities.

How it works

Our portfolios support every avenue for advancement in the field of SCI, including scientific, charitable, and educational organizations conducting spinal cord injury research, training in spinal cord medicine, and providing services to assist individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury. Grants are awarded only to qualifying non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Canada and are not awarded to individuals. All grantees will be required to verify tax-exempt status and eligibility for funding as detailed in our Application Guides.

Most of the Foundation’s grant competitions begin with submission of a brief Letter of Intent (LOI), submitted online through ProposalCentral and reviewed by staff and external experts. Full Grant Applications (FGAs) – accepted only from applicants invited to apply – are reviewed by staff and the Foundation’s Review Boards. Recommendations are then made to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who make final funding decisions. While the application process may seem complex, our team is always available to support and help grantees every step of the way.

Learn more about each portfolio by clicking on it below and explore our database of Funded Grants.

Our Portfolios

April 26, 2024 - Letter of Intent opens for 2025 cycle

Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translational Spectrum

Supporting the wide array of research opportunities to identify effective treatments and move them from the laboratory to clinical testing, the SCIRTS portfolio encourages limitless creativity and leadership in research.
View Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translational Spectrum Details View Details
January 2, 2024 - Letter of Intent opens for 2024 cycle

Creating Opportunity & Independence

For non profit organizations providing programs for those living with spinal cord injury and services that are community-driven, empowering, and inclusive of all ages and backgrounds to enhance quality of life.
View Creating Opportunity & Independence Details View Details
January 25, 2024 - Letter of Intent opens for 2025 cycle

Psychosocial Research

For research about the interrelation of behavioral, social, psychological, and other factors that affect quality of life for the spinal cord injury community.
View Psychosocial Research Details View Details

Neilsen Scholarship Program

Providing scholarships at selected institutions for students with spinal cord injury and funds to create and maintain opportunities to lead full lives in and out of the classroom.
View Neilsen Scholarship Program Details View Details

Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowships

Supporting specialty clinical training in focused rehabilitation programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
View Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Fellowships Details View Details

Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize

Created to honor the legacy of Craig H. Neilsen, celebrating influential voices in the world of spinal cord injury.
View Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize Details View Details

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