Vulnerable Populations, Events & Funding

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation offers Quality of Life Grants to nonprofit organizations that address the needs of persons living with paralysis (particularly spinal cord injury), their families, and caregivers. Funding is awarded in thirteen categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical service, sports and recreation, and therapeutic riding. Except for the health promotion category, the primary focus of the Quality of Life grants is paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. To qualify for funding, a nonprofit organization does not have to exclusively serve people with spinal cord injuries; however, at least a portion of the population served must have spinal cord injuries. The health promotion category provides funding to nonprofit organizations that address paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries and/or other injuries, diseases and birth conditions, including (but not limited to): stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, etc. Funding is awarded in amounts up to $25,000 per grant.
Deadline: September 1, 2004; and March 1, 2005
Complete program guidelines and the application are on the Web.

The Center for Health Care Strategies launches a new initiative to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care. This two-year project will work with Medicaid health plans and state Medicaid agencies to enhance data mining techniques as well as develop innovative approaches to improve health outcomes for culturally diverse beneficiaries. Health plans are now being recruited for a Best Clinical And Administrative Practices workgroup to begin in December 2004. Read more about proposal requirements and register for the Prospective Applicant Call scheduled for July 20, 2004.

The Channing Bete Company through their Youth Matters program, publishes a list of funding opportunities related to positive youth development in the areas of health and safety, community development, and education. A brief sampling of grants found specific funding for schools, radio and TV stations, and non-profit organizations to provide services to rural, underserved, and homeless youth in mental health, pregnancy prevention, tobacco education, health and fitness. Grantors ranged from federal projects to private companies such as Albertson's and Starbucks. Definitely worth the read.

The LInCS Fund (Local Independents Collaborating with Stations) provides incentive or matching moneys ($10,000-$75,000) to partnerships between public television stations and independent producers. Single shows in any genre (including documentary, drama, animation or innovative combinations) will be considered. Projects may be in any stage of development.
For additional information email Elizabeth_Meyer@itvs.org or call 415-356-8383 x270.

LIFP supports innovation in health and health care for underserved and at-risk populations. Through LIFP, a local grantmaker proposes a funding partnership with The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to support a community-based health or health care project that is consistent with one or more of the Foundation's goals. RWJF provides matching dollars to selected community-based non-profit projects nominated by their local funders. For program description, eligibility guidelines, and Call For Proposals go to the LIFP Web site. Brief preliminary proposal applications will be available June 1, 2004. Selected applicants will submit full proposals in September, 2004.

One Economy has launched a new Web site, The Beehive, and free monthly e-newsletter, The Buzz, to offer useful online and offline resources and organizations for low-income families in the U.S. Here is a tentative schedule of the health-related themes they are planning for the next year of newsletters: May, Family Issues/Child Care/Summer Activites; June, Health (Insurance and finding care); July, Mental Health/Substance Abuse; January, Health (Diet, Nutrition, and Exercise).