DREAMS Grant Program
Diversity, Representation, Equity & Advocacy MatterS
DREAMS for Duchenne
Launched in 2023, Entrada DREAMS is a competitive annual grants program designed to fund efforts within the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community to better identify, understand and reach those who are currently underrepresented and underserved.
DREAMS and Belonging
Entrada is building a company culture where everyone can belong, contribute and grow. In the same way, we are committed to working toward a healthcare system that is equitable, inclusive and diverse. Entrada DREAMS is part of our commitment to support Duchenne-focused non-profit organizations in their efforts to address discrimination and disparity in healthcare and to better serve all people living with Duchenne.
DREAMS and Giving
Each year, three grants of $25,000 (USD) each will be awarded to U.S.-based non-profit organizations with project proposals that embrace diversity, inclusivity, accessibility and the creation or expansion of vital services to achieve greater equality within the Duchenne community.
Click here for additional information and program requirements.
2024 Entrada DREAMS Grant Recipients
CureDuchenne
CureDuchenne is a global leader in research, patient care and innovation for improving and extending the lives of those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The DREAMS grant will support The CureDuchenne International Outreach Program, which enhances global awareness and training on Duchenne through virtual and in-person conferences across various countries that may have limited access to education, healthcare and resources. The grant will play a key role in enabling the program to expand efforts to diagnose, treat and support individuals affected by Duchenne in Nepal, Uganda, China and other countries throughout 2024-2025.
The Little Hercules Foundation (LHF)
The Little Hercules Foundation (LHF) is committed to ensuring that people living with rare diseases get access to treatments and care they need. The LHF team works with families across the Duchenne community to navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system. The DREAMS grant will enable the LHF to grow their individualized case management services for members of the Duchenne community and subsidize the cost of translation services when supporting families whose first language is not English.
Walking Strong
Walking Strong seeks to empower individuals affected by Duchenne and their families by providing comprehensive support, funding cutting-edge scientific research and building a strong and compassionate community. Walking Strong’s programs are available to all Duchenne families and provide services such as free one-on-one mental wellness and life coaching, access to mobility and assistive devices, and canine support animals. The DREAMS grant will enable Walking Strong to expand the reach of these services to more families.
Applications for next year’s program will be announced in the Spring of 2025.
Meet our 2024 Grant Review Committee
Founder, determinence
Podcast Co-Host,
Two Disabled Dudes
CEO & Founder
Girls Chronically Rock
Psychologist
Pediatric Neurologist
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Past DREAMS Grant Recipients
The Akari Foundation
A non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering the Hispanic community about rare diseases, with a focus on Duchenne. The Foundation’s mission is to provide resources, awareness, advocacy and education to affected families entirely in Spanish. Funds provided by Entrada DREAMS will help Akari to empower individuals and families living with Duchenne through greater disease awareness and educational resources, while helping to foster a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.
Neurology and Neuromuscular Care Center
A non-profit private practice led by Dr. Diana Castro with a mission to provide care to all patients with neuromuscular conditions like Duchenne, especially those from minority backgrounds who are currently underserved, uninsured or underinsured. Funding provided by Entrada will support the clinic in hiring its first mental health professional. This individual will help to address gaps in socioeconomic health needs by providing emotional and social support to people and families living with Duchenne.
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) Foundation
A non-profit patient advocacy organization fighting to end Duchenne by helping those living with the condition to lead longer, stronger lives. Support from Entrada DREAMS will help PPMD further its work to address disparity within the Duchenne community’s access to care and research opportunities based on racial, geographic and socioeconomic diversity.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a U.S. based non-profit organization with services for people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Must hold current 501(c)(3) status
Application Requirements
- Applications must be concise and approximately three (3) pages in length. Font size ≥ 10
- Statement of target demographic and identified community need(s)
- A detailed description of the project plan and timeline for implementation
- A goal that is clearly outlined, measurable, and attainable
- A project budget detailing how proceeds of the grant will be allocated
- A commitment to apply grant funding within one-year of receipt and to provide Entrada with a project summary
- Only one application per non-profit organization will be considered. A written agreement, defining the basic conditions of the grant, will be entered between Entrada Therapeutics and the award recipients.
Review Criteria
Applications will be judged by an independent review committee comprised of neuromuscular specialists and patient advocates with expertise in Duchenne, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access (DEIA), social impact and health. Each application will be anonymized and reviewed, scored, and ranked using the following criteria:
Inclusivity
- Accessible to intended audience (e.g., multilingual, ADA compliant, culturally relevant, etc.)
- Informed by minority-led or representative community organization(s)
Reach
- Delivers to underserved community(s) where they are
- Reproducible in multiple geographies
- Addresses needs of multiple underserved groups
Vision
- Addresses a clear unmet need
- Specific objective and measure of success
- Sustainable
Uniqueness
- Novel idea or program
- Shows commitment to a new way of working to advance DEIA
In addition to meeting the criteria above, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate collaboration with minority-led or local community organizations to overcome barriers that limit the delivery of health education and support for individuals and families in need.
Resources
Organizations seeking guidance to prepare an application may find the resources listed below helpful: