National Paralysis Resource Center

The National Paralysis Resource Center grant is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Community Living. This program is designed to support a single national entity that will operate as a centralized resource hub for individuals living with paralysis, their families, caregivers, and professionals. The Administration for Community Living focuses on maximizing independence, well-being, and health outcomes for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and this program aligns with that mission by addressing systemic barriers and enhancing access to information and community-based supports. The purpose of the National Paralysis Resource Center is to serve as the nation’s primary source of trusted information, real-time assistance, and coordinated resources for individuals living with paralysis. The program emphasizes improving quality of life, increasing independence, and enabling full participation in community life. It aims to reduce environmental, social, and systemic barriers that affect health and daily living. In addition to direct support services, the center will play a critical role in strengthening community capacity by providing subawards and supporting local and regional initiatives that align with its mission. Funding under this opportunity will be delivered through a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial federal involvement in program implementation and oversight. The total estimated program funding is thirty million dollars, with a single award anticipated at ten million dollars. Funds are expected to support a wide range of activities including information dissemination, peer support networks, technical assistance, and the development of community-based programs. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching contributions, allowing eligible applicants to fully utilize federal funds for program implementation. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of U.S.-based entities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, state and local governments, tribal governments, institutions of higher education (both public and private), independent school districts, special district governments, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. Foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the stated requirements are eligible to apply, reinforcing the program’s inclusive approach to applicant participation. The application process is expected to follow a standard federal grant submission structure through Grants.gov once the opportunity is officially posted. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate submitting a comprehensive proposal including program plans, performance metrics, and organizational capacity information. The program will track progress through performance measures and a public dashboard, suggesting that evaluation criteria will emphasize measurable outcomes, transparency, and impact on the target population. The timeline for this opportunity indicates that the grant is currently in a forecasted stage, with an estimated posting date of May 1, 2026, and an application deadline of June 1, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by July 1, 2026, with project activities beginning immediately thereafter. The program is aligned with the federal fiscal year 2026 cycle, and the archive date suggests a multi-year visibility period through mid-2029. A designated contact, Elizabeth Leef, is available for inquiries, providing applicants with a direct line for clarification during the application process.