Parkinson’s Foundation Awards Grants in 38 States for Parkinson’s Community Programs
NEW YORK & MIAMI (August 5, 2025) – The Parkinson’s Foundation today announced the recipients of more than $1 million in community grants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) programs across 38 states. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for health, wellness and educational needs.
“For the more than 1 million people living with PD in the U.S., access to local programs like support groups, exercise classes or educational courses is truly life-changing,” said Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. “Investments in nation-wide community grant funding represents the Foundation’s on-going dedication to improving the lives of our Parkinson’s community across the country.”
Community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per organization. The Community Grant program utilizes peer reviewers from the Parkinson’s community to determine which of the many impactful programs should be selected for funding each year. The peer review committee includes people living with Parkinson’s, those who are care partners of someone living with Parkinson’s and healthcare professionals who serve the Parkinson’s community.
The 2025 grant cycle funds programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners, as well as address the community’s mental health needs. Selected organizations work at a local level to address growing gaps in education and resources for those living with and affected by Parkinson's. The Foundation funds organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the diverse needs of the Parkinson’s community. The funding period occurs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
“Receiving a community grant from the Foundation has been a game-changer for our organization,” said Molly Donelan-Cupka, the Founder and President of Up ENDing Parkinson’s in Marshall, Virginia. “The funding allows us to expand our reach, offer more free and accessible sessions and empower hundreds of individuals with PD to discover strength, connection and joy through rock climbing. The Foundation’s support doesn’t just fund a program, it fuels a movement of hope, resilience and community.”
Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $12.7 million in 969 community-based programs. To see the full list of 2025 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/CommunityGrants.
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About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting an estimated one million Americans, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.