Special Initiative Grants

The Kessler Foundation’s Special Initiative Grants are awarded to projects and organizations that operate within the broad spectrum of rehabilitation and physical disabilities in New Jersey. Applications are by invitation only. Grants are for one year and range from $5,000 - $20,000.

Since an affiliation with rehabilitative medicine has been a significant part of Kessler Foundation's history, a priority is placed on serving individuals with mobility disabilities, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy or other impairments primarily from neuromuscular disorders. We require that 65% of the target grant population meet these criteria. We typically do not fund a primary diagnosis of developmental/intellectual disabilities, mental health issues, autism or sensory disabilities.

Our interests include:

• Education and training for people with physical disabilities, their families, healthcare professionals and the public in areas such as medical rehabilitation and disability prevention.
• Community programs and services related to improving the lives of people with physical disabilities, such as arts, recreation, social services, health, transportation, assistive device acquisition, and home/automotive adaptations.
• Projects, programs, pilot initiatives, and creative solutions that work toward improving the employment and career advancement of New Jersey citizens with disabilities.

Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Final grant selection is at the discretion of Kessler Foundation.

Grant Listing By Year

For more information contact: KFgrantprogram@kesslerfoundation.org