09/21/2026
RSA receives commitments for $200,000 in organizational funding each year for three years!
(Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026) – The Rochester Spinal Association (RSA) held a community update with community members, elected officials, and partners to celebrate National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month and to mark year RSA’s 35th year of providing peer support, information, education, and advocacy to people with SCI, their friends and family, healthcare professionals, and students.
Central to the event was the announcement of new, multiyear funding to sustain RSA’s efforts to enhance the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries. These announcements were:
· Approximately $100,000 per year for three year from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation for RSA’s support of people with SCI from gun violence.
· $100,000 per year for three years from the Crag H. Neilsen Foundation to support RSA’s general operations and mission related work.
“Rochester Spinal Association has spent decades building connection, support, and opportunity for people living with spinal cord disabilities across our region. We’re grateful to be part of the continued investment in this work and to support RSA as it strengthens access to resources, community, and greater independence,” said Health Foundation President & CEO, Matt Kuhlenbeck. “This is the kind of community-driven work that helps people not only navigate challenges, but thrive. We’re proud to have partnered with RSA since 2022 and excited for what’s to come.”
The multi-year grant from Greater Rochester Health Foundation, co-funded by Rochester Area Community Foundation, will support RSA in serving gun violence survivors – helping them navigate barriers to health, housing, transportation, income, and other essential resources. Funding will also provide peer mentoring, outreach to Spanish-speaking survivors and families, and opportunities for connection, recreation, referrals, and other supportive services. The grant supports continuation of a bilingual case manager whose focus is working with gun violence survivors with SCI.
"No single organization can address the complex challenges facing survivors of gun violence. By bringing together philanthropy, community expertise, and RSA’s direct experience with survivors, we can help build a stronger response to needs that too often go unmet,” said Rochester Area Community Foundation President & CEO Simeon Banister We’re pleased to partner with Greater Rochester Health Foundation to make that work possible.”
The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation has awarded Rochester Spinal Association multi-year General Operating Support. The flexible funding is intended to strengthen the organization and support its ongoing work serving individuals living with spinal cord injury throughout the Greater Rochester region.
“We believe organizations are best positioned to understand and respond to the needs of the communities they serve,” said Kym Eisner, Executive Director of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. “Our General Operating Support reflects that trust by providing grantee partners with the flexibility to direct resources where they are most needed. Rochester Spinal Association has a long history of serving individuals living with spinal cord injury in the Greater Rochester community, and we are pleased to support their continued work.”
“Each year, more than 18,000 individuals experience a traumatic spinal cord injury,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “As we observe National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, we highlight the impact of Rochester Spinal Association’s 35 years of work to spread awareness, support families and caregivers, and empower survivors. I’m grateful for their advocacy and proud to support this important organization.”
“We’re deeply grateful to our partners and community members who have supported RSA throughout the years – helping us enhance the quality of life of people living with spinal cord injuries and similar disabilities,” said RSA Executive Director, Chris Hilderbrant. “As we look ahead, we know there is more work to do to ensure that people have the support, resources and opportunities they need to live full and independent lives. We’re excited to host the community as we celebrate what we’ve built together.”
