[Paralyzed Veterans of America](https://pva.org/research-resources/apply-for-grant)

April 2026 (application opens) | July 2026 (full application deadline)

Up to $200,000 (Basic Science, Clinical, Design & Development, 2–3 years) | Up to $150,000 (Fellowships, 1–3 years)

Supports innovative research and fellowships to advance treatments, technology, and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury and disease.

--- ## Description The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Research Foundation funds research and fellowships aimed at improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D), including veterans and others living with SCI/D, multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The program supports projects in four categories: basic science, clinical applications, design and development/assistive technology, and postdoctoral fellowships. The Foundation seeks to promote innovative research, develop new rehabilitative technologies, and train the next generation of spinal cord researchers. All projects must demonstrate potential impact on the SCI/D community and include at least one consumer advocate with lived SCI/D experience. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (anticipated): Application submission opens - July 2026 (anticipated): Full application submission deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Basic Science, Clinical Applications, Design & Development/Assistive Technology:** Up to $200,000 total for a 2- or 3-year project. - **Postdoctoral Fellowships:** Up to $150,000 total for a 1-, 2-, or 3-year fellowship. - **Allowable costs:** Salaries, stipends, supplies, travel (up to $2,000 per year), equipment (up to $7,500), consultants, and participant incentives. - **Indirect costs:** Capped at 8% of total direct costs. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible institutions:** Nonprofit academic institutions, healthcare providers, associations, and organizations in the United States or Canada. - **Ineligible:** For-profit entities, undergraduate or pre-doctoral students as PIs or fellows. - **Applicant requirements:** - PI and key staff are not required to be U.S. or Canadian citizens, but must verify appropriate visa status if not. - Postdoctoral fellowship applicants must be within 4 years of receiving a PhD or completing a medical residency. - All applications must include an SCI/D Consumer Advocate (person with lived SCI/D, MS, or ALS experience) identified in the application and budget justification. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** All applications must be submitted online via [pva.aibs-scores.org](https://pva.aibs-scores.org). - **Components:** - Title page, abstract, keywords - Key personnel records - Proposal narrative (15-page max, not including references) - Budget and justification - Biosketches (including for SCI/D Advocate and mentor, if applicable) - Letters of support (required for fellowships) - Organizational assurances (e.g., IRB/IACUC) - Institutional approval - **Review:** Independent peer review for scientific merit and relevance; final decisions by the PVA Research Foundation Board of Directors. - **Notification:** Awardees typically notified in late fall; projects begin January of the following year. --- ## Additional Information - **Consumer involvement:** All grants require active participation by an SCI/D Consumer Advocate. - **Special requirements for design/development projects:** Funds cannot be used for commercialization (e.g., patenting, marketing). - **Fellowships:** Awarded directly to the individual fellow, not the institution or mentor; not transferable. - **Reporting:** Progress and expenditure reports required at regular intervals; final reports and a lay summary are required at project completion. --- ## External Links - [PVA Research Foundation Program Page](https://pva.org/research-resources/research-foundation/) - [FY2026 Policies & Procedures (PDF)](https://pva.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FY2026-PVA-Research-Foundation-Policies-and-Procedures_final.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://pva.aibs-scores.org) - [Grant Cycle Notification Signup](https://pva.tfaforms.net/56) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | Jennifer Massey | Associate Director, Research & Education| [jenniferm@pva.org](mailto:jenniferm@pva.org) | 202-416-7639 | | Lindsay Perlman | Director, Research & Education | [lindsayp@pva.org](mailto:lindsayp@pva.org) | 202-416-7611 | | General Inquiries | | [pva@pva.org](mailto:pva@pva.org) | 202-872-1300 |

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