National Paralysis Resource Center

The National Paralysis Resource Center funding opportunity is offered by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Office of Disability Services Innovation. This initiative is rooted in federal legislation including the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Public Health Service Act, which authorize efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. The program reflects a longstanding federal commitment to supporting people with disabilities through coordinated national services, information dissemination, and community-based support systems. The selected awardee will operate a national center that serves as a comprehensive resource hub for individuals with paralysis, their families, caregivers, and broader support networks. The primary purpose of this funding is to establish and operate the National Paralysis Resource Center as a centralized, trusted source of information, referral services, peer support, and community-based resources. The program aims to improve health outcomes, independence, and community participation for individuals living with paralysis caused by conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. The center is expected to reduce systemic barriers, provide real-time assistance, and expand access to long-term services and supports. It must also emphasize outreach to underserved and hard-to-reach populations, including rural communities, veterans, older adults, and individuals with co-occurring disabilities. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from the federal agency in oversight and implementation. The total expected funding is up to 30 million dollars over a three-year period, with up to 10 million dollars available per year. Only one award will be made. The recipient must allocate at least 35 percent of annual federal funds to a competitive subaward program supporting community-based organizations. Funds cannot be used for construction, basic research, or direct medical care, and must comply with federal cost principles and regulatory requirements. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic nonprofit entities such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, hospitals, institutions of higher education, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to operate a national program, manage significant federal funding, and administer a competitive subaward process. Applications must include a detailed project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as proof of nonprofit status, letters of commitment, and resumes of key personnel. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, following registration with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. The application must include a project narrative limited to 50 pages, a budget narrative, and several required federal forms. The narrative must address specific evaluation criteria including program relevance, approach, expected outcomes, organizational capacity, and budget justification. Reviewers will score applications based on a structured merit review process, with additional consideration given to alignment with agency priorities and risk assessment. Applications are due by July 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with an expected award date of September 1, 2026 and project start date immediately thereafter. The performance period spans three years through August 31, 2029. The program requires ongoing reporting, including semiannual performance updates and the development of a public dashboard by the second year to demonstrate outcomes and transparency. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early due to registration requirements and the complexity of the submission process. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact program and review staff at the Administration for Community Living. The primary program contact is Elizabeth Leef, reachable via email or phone, and financial inquiries may be directed to Nicole Dunning. Technical support is available through Grants.gov and SAM.gov. This funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in improving national infrastructure and support systems for individuals living with paralysis, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, accessibility, and community impact.

Ensure strong national infrastructure and subaward management plan; clearly address all six required activity areas; demonstrate measurable outcomes and evaluation systems; align with independent living philosophy