Craig H. Neilsen Foundation

04/16/2026

Time outside goes beyond fresh air. It’s shaped by who you’re able to share it with.

A garden, a trail, a place to sit and stay for a while. These spaces can shape how people connect after spinal cord injury in ways that aren’t always obvious.

This piece looks at how outdoor spaces are being designed and used to support real connection, not just access.

👉 Read more: https://chnfoundation.org/article/growing-community-in-outdoor-spaces/

❓Have you seen small design changes make a big difference in how people gather?

As spring arrives, people begin spending more time outdoors, whether that means tending to a garden, spending time on a trail, or simply gathering with others. For individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI), those experiences are no different in principle, though they may look different in pra...

03/18/2026

This month's article explores how language, cultural identity, and family dynamics shape the way people adapt to life after SCI. From tribal communities reconnecting to land and leadership through adaptive sports, to multilingual resources that let families learn and decide together, the lesson is clear: moving forward shouldn't mean leaving who you are behind.

Read our March article to learn more about the work we support and why culture is always part of the conversation. 🔗 https://chnfoundation.org/article/when-disability-enters-an-existing-culture/

02/19/2026

Have you read our latest article, The Power of Shared Experience? Click the link to read more!

https://chnfoundation.org/article/the-power-of-shared-experience/

01/31/2026

The 2027 Psychosocial Research cycle is now open! Letters of Intent are due by March 5th.

Get started here:

The Psychosocial Research (PSR) portfolio supports the study of people’s psychological and social wellbeing and research to develop and test interventions that improve an individual’s mental, behavioral, and social welfare following spinal cord injury (SCI).

01/15/2026

At the heart of life after a spinal cord injury is trust. Trust is built in people, in systems, and in the support that shows up when it’s needed most.

In our latest article, we explore why trust matters so much after SCI and how it’s built through consistent care, relationships, and community-based support.

➡️ Read the full article here:

After a spinal cord injury (SCI), life takes on a new rhythm. Things that once felt automatic—getting dressed, leaving the house, going to an appointment, planning for work—can now depend on many people and systems working together.

01/02/2026

The 2026 CO&I Community Support Grant cycle is now open! Letters of Intent are due by January 26th.

Get started here:

The Creating Opportunity & Independence (CO&I) portfolio supports non-profit organizations that provide programs and services that enhance the quality of life for individuals and families living with SCI.

12/22/2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank all of our grantee partners who are making the world of SCI a better place. We wish you a peaceful holiday season and a hopeful start to the year ahead.

12/18/2025

As the year comes to a close, Executive Director Kym Eisner reflects on what it will take to sustain progress across the SCI field.

In our December article, she shares why collaboration among researchers, nonprofits, and funders matters as we look ahead, and invites us to think differently about sustainability, innovation, and how we work together to support people living with SCI.

📖 Read the full article:
https://chnfoundation.org/article/a-time-for-collaboration-partnership-and-courage/

11/18/2025

We’re proud to announce that the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation has awarded $7.4 million in grants to 59 nonprofit organizations advancing access, connection, and independence for people living with spinal cord injury.

These grants, made through our Creating Opportunity & Independence portfolio, focus on improving accessibility, strengthening life-transitions, and expanding shared opportunities across arts, sports, tech, and more.

Read the full story here: https://chnfoundation.org/article/7-4-million-awarded-to-strengthen-access-connection-and-independence/

10/15/2025

✈️ Travel should be for everyone. Dive into how people with spinal cord injuries navigate flights, hotels, health, and more, and see how change is happening.

Read more in our latest article below.

Back to News Accessible Travel with a Spinal Cord InjuryOctober 14, 2025   Travel opens doors to connection, work, and exploration, offering experiences that can shape lives in meaningful ways. But, for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), it also comes with questions that most travelers never h...

10/01/2025

Each year, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation supports organizations advancing progress in spinal cord injury (SCI). In 2025, these new grants reflect the values of our Founder, Craig H. Neilsen, and his belief in research, healthcare, and education that directly improve lives.

By investing in AI-driven approaches to improve pain and bladder care, preparing the next generation of SCI physicians, and expanding higher education opportunities for students with SCI, this funding strengthens an interconnected system of care and opportunity.

📖 Read the full story:

Back to News $13.5 Million Awarded for Research and EducationSeptember 16, 2025   Each year, the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation supports organizations working to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). In 2025, the Foundation’s continued commitment to research and education is som...

09/17/2025

Craig H. Neilsen believed in possibility, progress, and people.

This year, the Foundation is awarding $13.5 million in new grants for research, spinal cord injury (SCI) medicine training, and scholarships for students with SCI. These efforts reflect Craig’s values and his vision of a future where individuals can live full, independent lives.

We’re proud to share more about the incredible projects and people behind this work.

👉 Read the full article: https://chnfoundation.org/article/13-5-million-awarded-for-research-and-education/