Paralyzed Veterans of America Spinal Cord Research Foundation

Funds research aimed at restoring function and improving the quality of life for veterans and all others paralyzed by spinal cord injury or disease.

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 research discoveries developed by the Foundation’s grantees benefit all paralyzed people, in all segments of our country.

Why do you need my support?

The PVA Research 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, the need for research on better treatments and possible cures for spinal cord dysfunction is all the more urgent.  Government funding to support research has shrunk in the last decade and more and more scientists must turn to private sources.  Because our organization was founded more than 60 years ago to help paralyzed veterans, we have developed unique knowledge and expertise in this field of research.  The research funding we provide helps fill the gap between what is publicly provided and what is needed to find better treatments for the many secondary complications experienced by paralyzed individuals, as well as to ultimately find a cure for paralysis

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

Most funding for the PVA Research Foundation comes directly from the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 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. 

Applications for funding receive thorough review by a Scientific Advisory Board that consists of experts in the field of spinal cord medicine. Following this review, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees decides what will be funded. A unique aspect of the Foundation is that all of its Trustees are paralyzed veterans; the final funding decisions rest with people who live with spinal cord injury or disease.  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