Ability Montana Receives $24,995 Grant From The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation To Purchase Adaptive Electric Bike

BOZEMAN, MONT. — August 19, 2026 — Ability Montana is proud to announce it has been awarded a $24,995 grant through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center's (NPRC) 1st Cycle 2026 Direct Effect.

The cycle awarded 38 grants totaling $787,152 through the Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program, which supports nonprofit organizations serving people living with paralysis. Since the program's launch, it has awarded more than 4,100 grants totaling $52 million. Funding was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-05).

Ability Montana will use the grant to purchase a Bowhead Ranger 4WD with Quad Controls, an all-terrain adaptive electric bike built for riders who steer and control speed with their hands instead of pedals. Its four-wheel drive, dual batteries, and low center of gravity are made for Montana's terrain: steep climbs, loose gravel, mud, and singletrack. The Ranger puts people with disabilities in control of their own outdoor experience, whether that means joining family on a weekend ride, reaching a favorite fishing spot, or covering new ground under their own power. Ability Montana will make the bike available for its consumers to use under supervision and experience the outdoors in new ways.

“Ability Montana is thrilled to receive a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase a Bowhead electric adaptive bike, helping expand access to Montana’s great outdoors and create new opportunities for people with disabilities to experience recreation, adventure, and independence,” said Scott Birkenuel, CEO of Ability Montana.

"These grants represent more than funding — they represent freedom, possibility, and dignity for individuals living with paralysis," said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. "At the heart of our mission is a commitment to improving everyday life for our community. We're proud to support organizations nationwide that are expanding access and creating programs built on accessibility, care, and respect."

The Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program funds a range of projects that expand access, independence, and community participation for individuals living with paralysis and their families. Grants are awarded in several categories, including Priority Impact grants, which support organizations working to improve everyday life for this community.

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 139,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community's voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About Ability Montana:

Since 1981, Ability Montana has helped Montanans with disabilities lead independent lives as a Center for Independent Living. Ability Montana is one of four Centers for Independent Living in the state, and more than half of its staff and board members are people with disabilities. For more information, visit abilitymt.org or call 406-522-7300.

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Contact
David Poole
Ability Montana, Recreation Program Manager
406-522-7300
dpoole@abilitymt.org

Reeve Foundation
media@reeve.org