YMCA of South Palm Beach County awarded $14,000 to support Parkinson’s disease management programs

Boca Raton, FL – August 7, 2026 – The Parkinson’s Foundation recently announced the recipients of more than $1 million in community grants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) programs across the United States. The programs funded by the Foundation will benefit people living with PD in 41 states. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for health, wellness and educational needs. The YMCA of South Palm Beach County was awarded $14,000 to support Parkinson’s disease management programs, including Surf & Turf, Parkinson’s Cycle and Parkinson’s Dance, which help participants improve strength, balance, flexibility, mobility and overall quality of life. The funding will help sustain eight hours of vital programming each week across the YMCA of South Palm Beach Counties, two locations in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.

“The Parkinson’s Foundation is proud to support investments that directly reach communities across the country in need of access to meaningful Parkinson’s programs that understand and are equipped to address local needs,” said Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. “Our community grant programs are truly life-changing for people with PD from all walks of life.”

Community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per recipient. The 2026 grant cycle funds programs that address mental health needs of people with PD, reach those who are PD care partners and educate and deliver exercise specifically designed for people with PD. Selected organizations operate locally and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“This generous support from the Parkinson’s Foundation allows us to continue providing programs that empower individuals living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Robin Nierman, Director of Community Health programs. “Together, we are helping our community move, connect, and thrive.”

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $13.9 million in 1,065 community-based programs. To see the full list of the 2026 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/CommunityGrants.

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $513 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Affecting more than one million Americans, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., trouble sleeping, loss of smell and depression). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

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