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 $4 million in community grants to support programs providing services for people living with and affected by Parkinson's disease. These programs benefit communities in 40 states across the country.

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $11.5 million to support 879 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.

Programs for the 2025 grant cycle should be geared towards expanding or creating access for populations of focus and must incorporate at least one of the following focus areas:

Address the intersection of mental health and PD
Reach and support care partners of individuals with PD
Educate and deliver exercise programs specifically designed for people 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 (FTE's)
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
Multi-year grants and franchise organization fees

For more details on what the grant funding can cover please review the brief overview in our FAQ section or reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically on a grants application system via ProposalCentral. Applicants will need to create an account in order to submit an application. Interested applicants should follow the link below and follow the instructions to apply for the “Community Grant” application.

Apply here

Applications Due: Friday, January 31, 2025
Award Notifications: Late June/Early July 2025
Grant Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

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

Upcoming Webinar

The Foundation will host a webinar on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm ET. The webinar will provide an overview of the 2025 Community Grant application process. Interested applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions.

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.

$11.5M

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

879

wellness, exercise and educational programs funded across the nation.

71,000+

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.

2024 Recipients
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 (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 a local organization 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, but is not limited to cities with Moving Days.

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 and there cannot be any overlap in the budget items requested.

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

A. Yes, but if organizations are applying for another year of funding for the same program, they will be expected to outline how the new application is different from the prior year’s funded application. The Foundation may limit the amount of funding available to programs 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 of people living with Parkinson’s 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. Do you accept applications from Puerto Rico?

A. Yes.

Q. What types of programs are not eligible for funding?

A. 1. Programs solely focused on instructor/facilitator/professional training and/or certification.
2. Programs that solely focus on outreach or marketing campaigns. (Eligible proposals can request funding for outreach or marketing methods but cannot base their entire application/funding request on this.
3. Programs that are built to reach communities outside of their local community/state. This grant program is intended to provide funding to organizations that are reaching local communities/states.

Reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org if you’re unsure if your program is eligible for the grant.

Q. Can my program request funding for increasing outreach to programs?

A. Proposals can of course request funding for outreach/marketing costs, but the entirety of the application/budget can not be dedicated to outreach campaigns/costs.
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.

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.
Q. Will the Parkinson’s Foundation provide the funded program a no-cost extension due to delays?

A. Yes. Grantees may submit a no cost extension request for up to six months. 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?

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?

A. If your program is considering a budget modification or a change to its format, contact Programs@Parkinson.org to implement these program changes.
Q. Will the Foundation change the start of the grant period?

A. No. However, if a program cannot start on July 1, 2025, the Foundation will consider changes to the grant period on a case-by-case basis.

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

A. The Foundation cannot help you write this grant; however, it can provide information and useful tools to help guide you. Please reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org for more resources.

Q. Can the Foundation provide examples of previously accepted grant applications to help guide a first time applicant?

A. Yes, the Foundation can share examples of certain sections from applications that scored high/were selected for funding. These examples are meant to guide applicants on the type of information to include and how to format information.

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 ProposalCentral.

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 ProposalCentral. Tutorials are available to assist with using ProposalCentral.

Q. Are the funding decisions made by Foundation staff?

A. No, the review process is led entirely by a committee of peer reviewers who are members of the Parkinson’s community.

Q. What items does the grant cover?

A. Some of the items that the grant can fund include marketing costs, speaker fees, participant fees, participant transportation, instructor/facilitator costs (for individuals who are not salaried employees).
For the full list of items that can be covered by the grant, reach out to Programs@Parkinson.org.

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. 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.