Role of the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation (APF) is a provincial charitable foundation created to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries in Alberta. Originating in 1987 as part of the legacy of Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour, the foundation pools public, private and community contributions to finance research, rehabilitation and community-based initiatives. Since its creation, it has grown a fund that has contributed more than $18 million to projects across the province.
The APF operates as a discretionary grantmaker, issuing calls and responding to requests that align with its mandate. It focuses on projects that increase independence, participation and quality of life for Albertans with spinal cord injuries or related conditions, while also building capacity in the health, research and community sectors that support them.
Main funding streams and target groups
The foundation structures its support around several key categories. Scientific Grants fund research and medical advances specific to spinal cord injury or diseases resulting in spinal cord damage. This can include clinical, translational or innovation research, as well as scholarships or other forms of scientific sponsorship linked to spinal cord health and function.
Community Development Grants support initiatives that produce tangible benefits in rehabilitation, peer support, inclusion, recreation and community participation for persons with disabilities, principally those with spinal cord injuries. Eligible projects are typically led by community organizations, hospitals, universities or disability associations that serve this population across Alberta.
In addition, the APF administers an Accessibility Funding stream, created in 2024 through the R. Vance Milligan Memorial Fund in partnership with Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (SCI‑AB). This open application fund assists individuals with spinal cord injuries anywhere in Alberta who are facing financial hardship and need support to adapt or adjust in their communities.
General expectations and provincial focus
As a provincial foundation, APF expects Scientific and Community Development Grant applications to clearly demonstrate benefits for Albertans living with spinal cord injuries. Projects are encouraged to align with priorities outlined in the Spinal Cord Injury Strategy for Alberta, such as improving models of care, enhancing patient experience, strengthening peer support networks and enabling data and registry development.
The foundation highlights projects that are innovative and collaborative, that generate practical knowledge, and that can be scaled or replicated to reach more people. Past grants have supported universities, such as the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary, and community organizations like Spinal Cord Injury Association Alberta for initiatives including models of care, patient experience research, peer services and fund development.
Application process and transparency
While APF does not publish detailed application forms on its site, it invites prospective applicants to contact the foundation directly for information on how to apply. The Grants page outlines the main categories of support and provides examples of currently funded and previously funded projects, which offers transparency about its priorities and track record.
By publishing summaries of funded initiatives—such as the Peer Program run by Spinal Cord Injury Association Alberta, aimed at expanding peer mentorship into rural zones—the foundation demonstrates its commitment to accountability, measurable outcomes and province‑wide impact.
Publics served and overall impact
The Alberta Paraplegic Foundation ultimately serves Albertans whose lives are affected by spinal cord injury, whether as patients, family members or community members. Its funding enables hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centres and community organizations to design and deliver programs that support recovery, adaptation, social inclusion and long‑term health. Through sustained investment in both science and community development, the APF plays a strategic role in advancing knowledge, improving services and empowering people with spinal cord injuries to participate fully in Alberta society.