Rare disease or health-related foundations often encourage patient advocacy, research, and discussion around new treatments. According to Parkinson’s News Today, the Parkinson’s Foundation is doing their part in advancing patient care through providing 100 programs across the country with a total of $1.5 million in grant funding. The grants are designed to increase education around Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the grants aim to support local health needs. According to their website, the Parkinson’s Foundation has been running their grant program for nine years. If you want to learn more about the 2020 grant recipients, you can find a full list of their names and information here.

Parkinson’s Foundation Grant Program

Since the onset of the program:

the Parkinson’s Foundation has funded 436 community-based programs that make life better for people living with PD.

Additionally, states the Foundation, there are a number of requirements an organization or program must meet to receive a grant. The Foundation notes that their three areas of focus are programs for underserved communities, those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and those which address the intersection of Parkinson’s and mental health. However, organizations cannot use grant money for salary, equipment, administrative or office expenses, travel, staff training, or endowments.

CORE Grant Program

In addition to the above grant program, the Parkinson’s Foundation also recently opened its Centers of Excellence Community Outreach Resource Education (CORE) grant program. The Foundation notes that the CORE program is designed:

to support community-based education and outreach programs that address unmet needs in the Parkinson’s community [within five areas of focus]:

• Services for diverse and underserved populations.
• Community healthcare professional training/education.
• Programs that address mental health and Parkinson’s.
• Innovative programs that reach Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
• Innovative therapeutic programs.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include, but are not limited to:

• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Difficulty blinking, smiling, and balancing
• Poor posture
• Slowed movement
• Tremors in the hands
• Changes in speech, such as slurring or stuttering
• Dementia, confusion, or hallucinations