[Christopher Reeve Foundation](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/program-overview)

March 12, 2026 (Full application deadline for 1st Grant Cycle 2026)

$5,000–$24,999 per award; project period up to 12 months

Supports projects that directly improve quality of life for people living with paralysis and their families through accessible, impactful community initiatives.

U.S.-based organizations only; projects must be completed within one year.

--- ## Description Direct Effect Grants from the Christopher Reeve Foundation are designed to fund specific budget items that enhance the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis and their families. These grants support a wide variety of projects, including but not limited to accessible playgrounds, adaptive sports equipment, facility modifications, educational workshops, transportation solutions, and other initiatives that promote accessibility, wellness, independence, and community participation. The aim is to have a clear, short- to mid-term impact on the lives of people with paralysis. --- ## Due Dates - March 12, 2026: Proposals due / Full application deadline for 1st Grant Cycle 2026 (Direct Effect Grants) --- ## Funding Amount - Awards range from $5,000 to $24,999. - Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of the award. - Typical grant period: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027. --- ## Eligibility - Open to nonprofit organizations based in the United States. - Projects must serve individuals living with paralysis and their families. - Projects must be located within the U.S.; international organizations or projects outside the U.S. are not eligible. - See [Eligibility Criteria and Funding Restrictions](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Eligibility-Criteria-and-Funding-Restrictions-Updated-8-14-2025.pdf) for details. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Direct Effect Grant Application and Program Guidelines](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/USE-THIS-Direct-Effect-Guidelines-1st-Cycle-2026-FINAL.pdf). - All applications must be submitted online through the [grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=christopherreeve). - Technical assistance webinars are available; the latest for Direct Effect Grants was held on February 10, 2026 ([watch recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFDOB1_fFMg)). - Applicants must include evaluation indicators and a feasible plan for measuring project outputs and outcomes. - Reporting requirements: 6-month interim report and a final report at project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Direct Effect Grants fund a wide range of project types, including accessibility modifications, adaptive sports, education, employment, healthcare, peer support, and more. - The grant review process includes external expert peer review and an internal committee review. - For guidance on evaluation indicators, see the [Quick Guide to Establishing Evaluation Indicators](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/a-quick-guide-to-establishing-evaluation-indicators/). --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/program-overview) - [Direct Effect Grants Details](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/direct-effect-quality-of-life-grants/) - [Application Process](https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/get-support/grants-for-non-profits/application-process/) - [Eligibility Criteria and Funding Restrictions (PDF)](https://www.christopherreeve.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Eligibility-Criteria-and-Funding-Restrictions-Updated-8-14-2025.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=christopherreeve) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@christopherreeve.org | | Grant Program Email | QOL@Reeve.org | | Phone | (800) 539-7309 | | Contact Page | [Contact Us](https://www.christopherreeve.org/contact-us) |

Direct Effect Grants

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