Vision, Mission and Values
Having established ourselves as a major partner in the spinal cord injury field, the Foundation’s primary framework for decision-making is our Vision, Mission and Values. Our vision is a statement of what is possible, the picture of the future we want to create. Our mission speaks to the primary purpose for the organization’s existence. Our values define how we will achieve our mission and provide structure for decision-making. These statements not only provide the context for our strategic plan, but provide a guide for the staff to help align their activities with the visionary expectations of our Board of Directors.
Our Vision
Individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those who care for them, live full and productive lives as active participants in their communities.
Our Mission
Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those affected by and living with spinal cord injury.
Our Values Honor our Founder
Our values are inspired by our Founder, Craig Neilsen, who overcame barriers during his lifetime, empowered others to do the same, and created this organization to impact the field today and expand solutions for tomorrow.
Excellence
We will prioritize rigorous, transparent and influential research, and effective, accessible and transformative programs.
Leadership
We lead by example, supporting visionary work that pushes boundaries to achieve meaningful improvements for people with spinal cord injury.
Accountability
It is our responsibility and commitment to undertake careful analysis and engage expert advice to ensure the Foundation’s resources are used to support grants that have strong merit and significance.
Innovation
We seek bold initiatives that encourage and seize creative opportunities to catalyze progress.
Collaboration
We will leverage collective knowledge, resources, and expertise to support new ideas and initiatives
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation’s funding decisions are driven by our core values: Excellence, Leadership, Accountability, Innovation and Collaboration. Our portfolios support scientific, charitable and educational organizations conducting spinal cord injury research, training in spinal cord medicine and providing services to assist individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury.
Grants are awarded only to qualifying non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Canada, and are not awarded to individuals. All grantees will be required to verify tax-exempt status and eligibility for funding as detailed in our Application Guides. Most of the Foundation’s grant competitions begin with submission of a brief Letter of Intent (LOI), submitted online through proposalCENTRAL, and reviewed by staff and external experts. Full Grant Applications (FGAs) are accepted only from applicants invited to apply as a result of the LOI process, and are reviewed by staff and the Foundation’s Review Boards. Recommendations are then made to the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who make final decisions on all funding.
