Supporting Local Parkinson’s Communities: 2026 Community Grants

Across the U.S., people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their care partners face ongoing challenges, from accessing specialized exercise programs to receiving mental health support. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and often causes non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

The Parkinson's Foundation is addressing these needs through its 2026 Community Grants, made possible by the generous legacy of Stanley and Gloria Brams, members of the PD community from Brooklyn, New York. Stanley was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 52, and following his passing, Gloria dedicated a portion of their estate to support local PD communities.

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested over $12.7 million in 969 community-based programs, improving health, wellness, and education for people with PD nationwide. The 2026 grants continue this mission by funding programs that are impactful, sustainable, and measurable in their service to local communities.

About the Parkinson's Foundation Community Grants

The Community Grants program supports local initiatives that make a real difference for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These grants help organizations expand access to care, improve quality of life, and address unmet community needs.

Key Objectives

• Supporting mental health in people with PD : Funding programs that provide counseling, stress management, and emotional support to help individuals cope with the challenges of living with PD.
• Assisting care partners : Helping family members and caregivers navigate the physical, emotional, and logistical demands of caregiving through education, support networks, and training.
• Providing specialized exercise programs : Delivering movement and wellness programs designed specifically for people with PD to improve mobility, balance, and overall health.

Who Can Apply for the 2026 Community Grants

These grants are designed to support organizations directly serving local PD communities.

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations actively delivering programs for people with PD
• For-profit organizations offering programs at no cost to participants
• Independent local or community organizations (national chapters are not eligible)

Key Requirements

• Programs must exclusively serve people with PD and their care partners
• Programs must be free of charge to participants.
• Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

What the Grants Cannot Fund

• Salaries for existing employees
• Capital expenses (computers, furniture, buildings)
• Exercise equipment (bikes, weights, treadmills, etc.)
• Travel for staff or speakers
• Individual memberships, certifications, or licensing fees

For a complete list of allowable expenses, applicants should consult the Parkinson’s Foundation FAQ or contact Programs@Parkinson.org.

Priority Focus Areas for the 2026 Grants

To be competitive, grant proposals should focus on at least one of the following areas:

Mental Health & PD

Support programs that help people with PD manage emotional well-being, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Programs can include counseling, peer support, or group activities that enhance mental health.

Care Partner Support

Develop resources, training, and outreach for family members, professional caregivers, or volunteers who assist people with PD. Empower care partners with knowledge, skills, and connections to reduce caregiver stress and improve patient care.

Exercise Programs for PD

Offer structured, evidence-based exercise programs specifically designed for people living with PD. Activities can include balance training, strength building, flexibility exercises, or movement-based routines that improve physical function and overall quality of life.

Combined Approaches Are Encouraged

Programs that address multiple focus areas, such as integrating mental health support into exercise programs, are welcome, provided they demonstrate measurable outcomes and a clear impact on participants' lives.

Grant Details at a Glance

• Funding Amount : $10,000 – $25,000 per application
• Project Duration : July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
• Eligible Regions : Local U.S. communities (all 50 states, including Puerto Rico)
• Expected Awards : Varies; subject to funding availability
• Application Deadline : January 30, 2026
• Award Notifications : Late June 2026

Past Success Stories: Community Grants in Action

1. Rock Steady Boxing – North Miami, FL

A non-contact boxing program that helps people with PD improve balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. Participants like Marc transitioned from using a wheelchair to walking independently, thanks to personalized guidance and peer support. The program also trains experienced participants to become volunteer coaches, creating a sustainable and empowering community.

2. HeartSprings Art & Choir Studio – National Program

Engages people with PD through art and music, fostering creative expression and emotional well-being. Participants report reduced stress and increased social interaction, while the program includes care partner involvement to strengthen family and community support networks.

3. Dancing Through Parkinson's – Local Chapters

A dance-based program combining rhythm, movement, and social engagement to enhance mobility, balance, and posture. Structured routines and music help participants improve motor skills, confidence, and social connection, while combating isolation in the PD community.

How to Build a Winning Community Grant Proposal

Strong applications demonstrate impact, sustainability, and responsiveness to community needs.

Best Practices for Applicants:

• Define the target population and explain unmet community needs
• Explain measurable outcomes : participation, attendance, and improved health metrics.
• Show sustainability plans : partnerships, volunteer engagement, or ongoing community support.
• Incorporate outreach strategies for a diverse population
• Leverage partnerships and technical tools like GridSocial to track participation, manage referrals, and generate reports demonstrating program impact.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets requirements and serves local PD populations.

Step 2: Identify Focus Area

Choose one primary program focus: mental health, care partner support, or exercise programs.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Outline your program, measurable outcomes, and sustainability plan. Include any technical tools, such as GridSocial, to track program success.

Step 4: Submit Online

Applications are submitted via ProposalCentral. Create an account and submit by January 30, 2026.

Step 5: Attend Informational Webinar

Learn more about the process during the webinar on December 2, 2025, 3–4 PM ET.

Note: Grant award notifications are expected in late June 2026. More info: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grants

Where GridSocial by SocialRoots.ai Fits In

Applying for Parkinson's Foundation Community Grants requires precise impact measurement, participant tracking, and actionable reporting, where GridSocial can help organizations strengthen their applications.

With GridSocial, grant applicants can:

• Track participation and outcomes for people with PD and their care partners across programs like exercise, mental health support, and caregiver education.
• Automate reporting for grant compliance, saving time and reducing administrative burden.
• Integrate community data from local clinics, classes, and outreach events into one unified platform.
• Show measurable impact with dashboards and reports that funders can trust, demonstrating program effectiveness and scalability.

By using GridSocial, organizations can provide funders with evidence-backed results and ensure programs are data-driven, accountable, and ready for review, boosting competitiveness for the 2026 Community Grants.

Conclusion: Strengthening Local Parkinson's Communities

The 2026 Community Grants empower local organizations to create meaningful, sustainable programs for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their care partners. By supporting initiatives that focus on mental health, caregiver resources, and specialized exercise programs, these grants improve quality of life, foster inclusion, and strengthen PD communities across the nation.