MS Entrepreneurs Grant Application

 

Do you have any ideas that positively impact people affected by MS? The National Multiple Sclerosis Society seeks passionate individuals to create sustainable projects in their own communities that will make a greater impact on the lives of the 36,000 people living with multiple sclerosis everyday in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana. We are committed to providing the freedom, support and money to enable you to engage others and to make your individual thumbprint on the movement to create a world free of MS.

Through the MS Entrepreneurs Program, start-up funding will be awarded to enable you to independently implement solutions to the challenges faced by people living with multiple sclerosis in your community.

The MS Entrepreneurs application may be submitted at anytime. They are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Applications can be completed online or mailed to:

National MS Society
Attn: Crysta Clendennen
8111 North Stadium Drive, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77054.

If you have questions about completing this application, contact Kelly Moran at kelly.moran@nmss.org or call 1-800-344-4867 (press 2).

Criteria for Selection

Each proposed grant project will be evaluated independently and measured against other submitted grant proposals. We are looking for grant project ideas that will benefit the lives of people living with MS and align with the goals of the National MS Society. As an organization, we are committed to address the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and to mobilize the talents and resources of the millions of people who want to do something about MS.

Preference will be given to grant applications that have a defined objective, plan and results. The needs of those with in our region living with MS can be addressed in a variety of ways. A list of grant project ideas is provided on www.msentrepreneurs.org to help you define your area of interest. Priority will be given to project ideas showing strong:

- Sustainability: How can your grant idea impact those affected by MS over time? Does this have a productive or measurable outcome?
- Plan of Action: What is your timeline? Will this project be able to grow within the year (short term) or will you need additional financial backing (long term)?
- Clear goals and measurable results- Are you able to communicate your impact and outcomes in a meaningful and measurable manner?
- Thorough plan: How realistic is your timeline and process? Are outside resources needed in order to make your idea a reality?
- Collaboration: Will your project create a resource bridge, closing the gap on organizational silos? Can your idea be a collaborative one among other organizations within your community?
- Potential for replication: How can your concept be replicated though out the region? Can a “Tool Kit” be created, so others can take your idea and share it among their community?

All grant proposals will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by volunteers. The deadlines throughout the year for submission are: January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15. MS Entrepreneur applicants will be contacted by a member of the Volunteer Engagement Team within 10 business days of the deadline.