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Muscular Dystrophy Association's Advocacy Collaboration Grant Applications Are Now Open

The grant program funds innovative and impactful advocacy projects across the country to benefit the neuromuscular community.

Washington, D.C., Tuesday, August 20, 2024 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today that applications are open for the MDA Advocacy Collaboration Grant program. The MDA Advocacy Collaboration grants are awarded to promote and support key public policy and advocacy initiatives that will benefit people in the neuromuscular disease community, removing barriers and empowering people to live longer, more independent lives. Applications are open until October 18th. Applications are open here.

Grant applications will be reviewed by a committee and grants will be announced and distributed in early 2025.

"At the Muscular Dystrophy Association, we are dedicated to serving the neuromuscular community through our robust advocacy and public policy efforts," stated Paul Melmeyer, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy, MDA. "The MDA Advocacy Collaboration Grant 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. We invite all eligible organizations to apply and collaborate with us in our mission to improve the lives of the individuals we support."

Through this innovative model MDA will fund projects that benefit the neuromuscular community including:

• Non-partisan advocacy campaigns to achieve legislative and public policy victories for the community at the federal, state, or local level.
• Vital research projects to provide much-needed data to further understand the experiences of the community to further advocacy priorities.
• Opportunities to convene stakeholders in the community through in-person and virtual meetings, conferences, and other events.
• Programs or toolkits to build, grow, and train grassroots advocates.
• Other innovative programs, campaigns, or initiatives that can measurably impact one or more of MDA and the collaborating organizations' common advocacy goals.

Background

The MDA Advocacy Collaboration Grant program began in 2022 and during last year’s cycle distributed over $140,000. Read more about previous grantees in MDA’s Quest Media here.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.