The IM ABLE Foundation has announced that it has been awarded a $40,000 Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2023 Priority Impact Quality of Life grants. Twenty-two grants totaling $756,296 were awarded.
The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,770 grants totaling $43 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-03-01).
The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Priority Impact grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.
“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, Director of, the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”
The IM ABLE Foundation will use the $40,000 grant from The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to introduce off-road handcycling to individuals living with paralysis and spinal cord injuries. This grant will fund the acquisition of specialized off-road handcycles by IM ABLE to be used by participants in their programs and will also be provided to individuals on a short-term basis. By offering these handcycles, IM ABLE aims to provide new opportunities for adventure and physical activity, helping participants experience the freedom and thrill of off-road cycling while fostering greater independence and confidence.
“It is IM ABLE Foundation’s vision to be an adaptive fitness destination for anyone with challenges who wants to improve their lives through a more active lifestyle. These off-road handcycles will give people living with disabilities access to trails and experiences that they may never have been able to do before, or never able to do since a life-changing injury,” said Alex A. Pilkington, CEO of IM ABLE Foundation. “We’re grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for funding opportunities like this for so many people who have the drive to engage in these activities but just need the right equipment and opportunity.”
Upcoming demo days will be announced in the future, where individuals living with paralysis and spinal cord injuries will have the chance to try out these off-road handcycles firsthand. Event announcements will be made on the IM ABLE Foundation Facebook at facebook.com/imablefoundation