Each year, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation supports organizations working to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). In 2025, the Foundation’s continued commitment to research and education is something we are proud of. These new grants speak to the core purposes of the Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translational Spectrum (SCIRTS), SCI Medicine Fellowships (SCIMF), and the Neilsen Scholarship Program (NSP) portfolios, which reflect the values of our Founder and the important work happening across the field of SCI.
Through SCIRTS, more than $9 million in new research funding has been awarded to institutions tackling real-world challenges faced by people with SCI. These projects explore ways to reduce pain, prevent falls, improve bladder function, and restore aspects of sexual health. Several of these grants will support the use of artificial intelligence and computer modeling to better understand how treatments work as well as making care more personalized. Many research teams are also building stronger connections with people with SCI, highlighting the value of including lived experience to help keep the work grounded and relevant.
In healthcare, the SCIMF portfolio continues to underwrite academic centers and hospitals training the next generation of physicians who specialize in SCI medicine. This year, $1.1 million in new grants will support 10 fellows at eight institutions. These doctors-in-training are gaining experience in clinical care as well as outreach and community-based initiatives. Several programs are building innovative partnerships to expand what SCI medicine can look like within and beyond the hospital setting.
The Foundation continues to fund colleges and universities committed to removing financial and accessibility barriers for students with SCI through NSP. A total of $3.4 million in grants was awarded to 13 institutions to support 33 students pursuing a wide range of degrees. While each academic path is unique, many students see their success as part of something larger. As a University of Florida graduate shared, NSP “provided an opportunity for me to be a role model within the community, as an encouragement to current and upcoming students, who aspire to better their lives and realize that it is possible despite any physical or mental limitations.”
While each portfolio focuses on a different area, the connection between them is what strengthens the overall impact. Research generates new knowledge, medical training ensures that knowledge reaches people through care, and educational access helps individuals shape their own future. Together, these efforts create a more informed, responsive, and supportive SCI ecosystem.
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is grateful to the organizations and individuals who bring expertise, dedication, and heart to every effort. Their work moves the field forward and makes a lasting impact in the lives of people with SCI. It’s a privilege to support these partners and their progress in 2025 and beyond.