The Gateway Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans service organization that represents honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces who have sustained a spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D).

Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946 with a mission to help veterans with SCI/D regain what they fought for: freedom and independence. PVA’s 33 chapters cover all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Based in St. Louis and incorporated in 1976, Gateway PVA serves more than 600 members in Missouri, southern Illinois, and beyond. We were named “Most Outstanding Chapter” in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.

We are proud to maintain a program expense ratio of almost 90%. Governorship by an all-volunteer, all-member board of directors ensures the most responsible and informed stewardship of the funds that we receive.

The St. Louis Better Business Bureau recognizes us as an Accredited Charity on its Wise Giving Guide and awarded us their Torch Award for Ethics in 2024; we also hold a Platinum Seal of Approval from GuideStar.

By choice, we receive no federal funding, as doing so would impede our ability to advocate for change in the VA system or to federal ADA legislation. Instead, we hold fundraising events, apply for corporate grants, and receive individual donations from our supporters to fund our programs (which are detailed on the following pages) and member grants.

In fact, since 2014, we’ve awarded members more than $2 million for accessible vehicles, home accessibility modifications, and home generators — helping to fulfill our mission statement:

“Veterans with spinal cord injury or disease, living life to the fullest.”

Beginning in 2013 we began offering $10,000 home accessibility grants to members to make accessibility renovations to their homes. In 2015 we started providing $5,500 grants to members who need assistance in purchasing a portable generator or full service home generator. In 2014 we began and continue today, purchasing used accessible vehicles for members, providing $10,000 grants to assist in upgrading or repairing member owned vehicles, providing $17,500 grants to assist in purchasing a non-accessible vehicle that will have hand controls installed, and providing $35,000 grants to assist members in purchasing an accessible vehicle. We have also continued to provide monthly catered luncheons at the Jefferson Barracks Spinal Cord Unit, and funding members to attend events like the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic in Colorado.

Check out our programs tab for more information and ways to get involved!