MINNEAPOLIS, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Courage Center has received a one-year grant of $150,000 from the B.C. Gamble and P.W. Skogmo Fund to support The Bridge to Independence. This coordinated campaign works to improve the lives of Minnesota adults and children with disabilities through effective grassroots community organizing, policy advocacy, civic engagement and systems change.
As a leading member of the Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD), a statewide coalition of more than 100 disability provider and advocacy agencies, Courage Center will partner with many of these organizations on grant activities. Organizations include The ARC of Minnesota and ARC Greater Twin Cities; Brain Injury Association of Minnesota; and National MS Society-Minnesota Chapter.
"We're proud the Foundation has recognized the importance of advancing disability policy, and that leveraging the strengths of multiple disability organizations is a strategy worth pursuing," said John Tschida, vice president of Public Affairs & Research at Courage Center. Tschida served as co-chair for MN-CCD from 2000-2006.
In addition to supporting town hall meetings, candidate forums and get-out-the-vote efforts, the grant will fund a full-time MN-CCD staff member and help address the issue of MN-CCD's long-term sustainability.
"Ultimately these activities are designed to drive positive policy changes at the Capitol and within government agencies," Tschida said. "That will be the true measure of our success."
About Courage Center
Courage Center is a Minneapolis-based rehabilitation and resource center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. We specialize in treating brain injury; spinal cord injury; stroke; chronic pain; autism; and disabilities experienced since birth. Founded in 1928, Courage Center is a nonprofit organization offering advanced technologies and innovation provided in part through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors.
About The Minneapolis Foundation
The Minneapolis Foundation is a statewide center for philanthropy, distributing an average of $40 million in grants each year, sharing its philanthropic expertise with other foundations, and engaging the community on critical social issues through public information campaigns and convenings. It manages assets of approximately $598 million, administers more than 850 charitable funds, and partners with a variety of communities and institutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Established in 1915, it is the oldest foundation in Minnesota and one of the nation's largest community foundations.
Contact: Sue Warner, Courage Center, 763-520-0263
SOURCE Courage Center
