Community Grants

The Parkinson’s Foundation funds community grants that further the health, wellness and education of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) across the U.S.

The Foundation recognizes the unprecedented need for community-related programs and events. In the last three years the Foundation has awarded over $5 million in community grants to support programs providing services for people living with and affected by Parkinson's disease. These programs benefit communities in 34 states across the country.

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $10.4 million to support 787 community-based programs that improve life for people living with PD.

What types of programs do we fund?

The Foundation funds programs that are impactful, sustainable, scalable and measurable. Programs may be new and existing grant-supported areas and/or pilot programs. All funded organizations and institutions must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The 2023 community grant cycle focuses on programs that:

Educate and deliver exercise programs specifically designed for people with PD
Address the intersection of mental health and PD
Reach and support care partners of individuals with PD

Eligibility Requirements

The community grants program is open to communities nationwide. Eligible organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally). Applications will be limited to the following categories of applicants:

Non-profit and other tax-exempt organizations
For-profit organizations (may be eligible if the program is offered at no cost)
Healthcare facilities

Parkinson’s Foundation community grants do not support:

Salary cost for individuals employed by their organization
Capital expenses (i.e., computers, furniture, building fixtures)
Exercise equipment (i.e., bikes, treadmills, weights, boxing equipment, etc.)
Indirect costs (i.e., administrative, facility fees, facility rent, utilities, insurance, and/or general office expenses)
Travel for staff/facilitators
Individual/staff memberships, accreditations, instructor training programs and/or licensing
Endowments
Individual support

For more details on what the grant funding can cover please reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org.

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

If you have questions about the grant application process, please email Programs@Parkinson.org.

How Community Grants Make an Impact

Community-based grants help fund education and outreach programs that address unmet needs in the PD community. Community grants help people with PD live better lives, today.

$10.4M

invested by the Parkinson's Foundation to support community-based programs for people living with PD.

787

wellness, exercise and educational programs funded across the nation.

55,000+

people with PD and care partners reached through grant programs.

Community Grant Recipients

Parkinson’s Foundation community grants further the health, wellness and education of people with Parkinson's across the nation.

2023 Recipients
2022 Recipients
2021 Recipients
2020 Recipients
2019 Recipients

FAQs

Thank you for your interest in the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grants Program. Below, you will find answers to the most common questions — including online application, process and eligibility requirements. Reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org for additional questions.

Q. Does my organization need a 501(c)(3) to qualify for a grant?

A. No, this is not a requirement in order to apply. Individuals are not allowed to apply unless partnering with an organization that holds a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (a mutual agreement letter will need to be submitted with this type of application). Organizations that are for profit must offer their programming at no cost during the grant period. Applications submitted by an individual will not be accepted.

Q. Are individuals eligible to apply?

A. No. However, if interested, you can work with your local community center and ask them if they would be interested in collaborating with you on your program. Note that a mutual agreement letter will need to be submitted at the time of your application.

Q. Can I apply If my organization is not in or near a Moving Day city?

A. Yes, this is a nationwide grant opportunity.

Q. Is my organization allowed to submit more than one application in a community?

A. Yes, but organizations may only submit a total of two applications during a community grant cycle.

Q. If my organization has received funding from the Foundation in the past will I be able to apply again?

A. Yes, but the Foundation may limit the amount of funding available to organizations that have received community grant funding for more than three years.

Q. Are assisted living facilities eligible to apply?

A. Yes. Please note that the program must be limited to people with PD and/or care partners and must be offered free of charge.

Q. Are rehab centers eligible to apply?

A. Yes. Please note that the program must be limited to people with PD and must be offered free of charge.

Q. Can I apply for additional funding for my program outside of the Foundation?

A. Absolutely, the Foundation encourages all funded organizations to seek additional sponsorship to support your program.

Q. I have never written a grant, can you help me?

A. The Foundation cannot help you write a grant; however, it can provide information on useful tools to help guide you and can help answer questions during the process.

Q. I do not have access to a computer, may I mail my application?

A. All applications must be submitted electronically through the grant system at Proposal Central.

Q. Do I need to create an account through the online grant system?

A. In order to be considered for this grant opportunity, you will be required to create an account and apply through Proposal Central.

Q. Do you accept applications from Puerto Rico?

A. Yes.

Q. Does this grant offer salary support?

A. The community grants program does not offer salary support for full-time equivalent (FTE) staff but will cover the expenses for participant costs and facilitator/instructor (person providing direct service to participants) expenses.

Q. Can the grant help cover expenses to send my staff to training?

A. No. Individual/staff memberships, accreditations, staff/instructor training programs and licensing are not allowed under this grant.

Q. Is exercise equipment covered under this grant?

A. No.

Q. Can the grant help pay for construction?

A. No, this grant is for programming or services for individuals with PD.

Q. Does the grant cover alcohol for an upcoming educational symposium?

A. No. This grant will cover refreshments for participants; however, alcohol is not permitted as an allowable expense.

Q. Is travel authorized for my grant?

A. No, travel for presenters and staff is not permitted; however, the Foundation will cover travel transportation costs of participants. Please note that the amount cannot exceed 5% of the budget.

Q. If awarded, can the Foundation pay instructor(s) directly?

A. No.

Q. Are speaker fees covered for an educational program?

A. Speakers are covered; however, the expense cannot exceed 10% of direct program support.
The Foundation understands how important fitness, education and social interaction are for people with Parkinson’s. The safety and well-being of all who participate in a community grant-funded program is of the utmost importance.

To support the health and safety of the attendees, program personnel, and volunteers at each funded program, the Foundation works with each of the grantees by providing ease on administrative requirements for programs, which include: contractual obligations, budget modifications, and new formats of your program. The Foundation expects that any funded program adheres to federal, state, and local COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19.
Q. Will the Parkinson’s Foundation provide the funded program a no-cost extension due to delays, including those related to COVID-19?

A. Yes. Grantees may submit a no cost extension request for up to six months due to COVID-19-related program delays. If you wish to request an extension, please complete this form and submit it to Programs@Parkinson.org.

Q. Will the Parkinson’s Foundation accept a late final report submission due to the COVID-19?

A. Any extensions on reports must be requested by emailing Programs@Parkinson.org and will be considered on a case by case basis.

Q. What is the best way to let the grant administrator know of any changes to my current program?

A. To notify the grant administrator of any changes to your program, please email the changes to Programs@Parkinson.org.

Q. Will there be flexibility in budget modifications to change the format of our funded program Parkinson’s due to COVID-19?

A. Yes. The Foundation is aware that COVID-19 may impact your organization, the programs and services you provide to the PD community. If your program is considering a budget modification or a change to its format, contact Programs@Parkinson.org to implement these program changes.