Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Injury Education and Training Foundation

Funds educational projects (i.e. books, videos, curriculum) to assist veterans and others with spinal cord dysfunction, their caregivers and their health-care providers to improve the quality of their lives.

How do you help people in my community?

Although the founding purpose of Paralyzed Veterans was to assist veterans, the needs of paralyzed individuals are shared by veterans and nonveterans alike.  Almost every community has some veterans and others paralyzed as a result of traumatic injury or disease, such as multiple sclerosis, ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”), or post-polio syndrome.  The informational materials we produce benefit all paralyzed people, in all segments of our country. 

Why do you need my support?

The PVA Education Foundation is privately funded and does not receive any government money.  With the increased number of injured servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and the strained resources of the Department of Veterans affairs, educational resources are needed now more than ever.  Higher medical expenses and shorter rehabilitation stays compound the problem.  Paralyzed people must take more responsibility for managing their own care and moving toward independent living, jobs, marriage and families.  The educational resources we provide help fill the gap between what is publicly provided and what is needed to help individuals reach their highest potential. 

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Most funding for the PVA Education Foundation comes directly from Paralyzed Veterans, which pays all administrative costs to operate the Foundation.  Thus, 100% of all donations to the Foundation go directly toward its grant program.  Private donations provide a large and critical level of grant funding each year.  Members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, many of whom are paralyzed veterans, review and make decisions on grant awards.  Once grants are funded, the Foundation follows management policies to ensure that the grantee adheres to organizational and government regulations.  Progress reports are required at fixed intervals and those programs not fulfilling their goals are terminated, with their awarded funds returned to the Foundation to be used for other projects. 

Can I Volunteer? How?

Yes.  For more information, please contact Stacy Ale at (202) 416-1255 or (800) 424-8200, ext. 255.