MDA seeks applications for advocacy collaboration grants
Program supports neuromuscular disease projects, policies
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is accepting applications for its Advocacy Collaboration Grant program, which supports projects from organizations working to improve the lives of people with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Applications for this year’s program are open until Oct. 18, and winners will be announced in early 2025. Interested applicants should complete an interest form describing their project and how it aligns with the program’s vision. The form will be reviewed within five business days, and applicants will be contacted for follow-up.
The goal is to fund cooperative initiatives that drive public policy and advocacy changes and support the community by removing barriers and empower those with neuromuscular diseases to live longer and more independently.
“At the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we are dedicated to serving the neuromuscular community through our robust advocacy and public policy efforts,” Paul Melmeyer, MDA’s executive vice president of public policy and advocacy, said in an MDA press release. The program “offers a distinctive chance to support pioneering public policy and advocacy projects that eliminate obstacles and foster significant advances for people living with neuromuscular diseases,” Melmeyer said.
The program, which launched in 2022, granted over $140,000 last year to support advocacy projects.
MDA grants fund advocacy campaigns, community connections
The MDA grants funds a wide range of projects, including advocacy campaigns that work to change laws and policies to support the neuromuscular community at the federal, state, or local level.
“We invite all eligible organizations to apply and collaborate with us in our mission to improve the lives of the individuals we support,” Melmeyer said.
The program also supports meetings, conferences, and events aimed at connecting community members, as well as projects that train grassroots advocates who can speak up and push for changes on behalf of the community. By empowering these advocates, the MDA aims to ensure that the needs of those living with neuromuscular diseases are heard by leaders and lawmakers.
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