The mission of the funder, presumably the Neilsen Foundation given the context, focuses on advancing novel approaches to both improving function and developing curative therapies after spinal cord injury (SCI). Their goal encompasses a broader understanding and improvement in the treatment of both acute and chronic SCI.
The Psychosocial Research (PSR) portfolio of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation focuses on understanding the behavioral, social, psychological, and other factors that can improve quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury. This includes research in areas such as aging, caregiving, employment, health behaviors and fitness, independent living, self-management, and technology access. The grant program has three funding categories: Postdoctoral Fellowships, Pilot Grants, and PSR Studies and Demonstration Projects. The latter supports three-year studies and demonstration projects aiming to fill important gaps in the SCI field, develop new areas of psychosocial research, and evaluate interventions addressing psychosocial issues after SCI. These projects should help translate knowledge, or adopt interventions and practices that positively impact those living with SCI, with funding up to $550,000 for up to three years.