Grants in United States

GOAL

Serve as a central repository of various grant programs we can share with the Able Bodied community. This is meant to be an “open source” document, so if you have any funding sources you are aware of, please add them to the appropriate section.

NOTE: Trying to figure out what handcycle to mention in your grant application, check out our handcycle guide.

Take Action Today

Find a Grant on KBF Active Project

The KBF active project has a grant guide portal where you can filter grants by disability, allowable expenses, and other requirements.

Find a Grant on Support Now

Support Now claims to have the largest database of active grants

Build a Campaign on Help Hope Live

Organization that helps you create a tax deductible donation campaign for any medical expenses you may have. They will help guide you through how to fundraise and will give you feedback on your campaigns. Donations will be tax deductible, which is really great (especially after 2026 see blog post).

General Grants

Challenged Athlete Fund

Dates: September to November

Amount: ~$3,000, but they are known to cover the entire cost of Top End handcycles up to $10K

Time to fill out application: October 7 - December 6

NOTE: Supports individuals worldwide

The challenged athlete fund is one of the largest (if not the largest) adaptive sports grant programs with 10s of millions of dollars given out annually. They have one grant cycle per year and are the best to start with as then you have time to apply for the KBF and High Fives grants and stack them all in one year.

High Fives

Dates: Two grant cycles, January-March, July-September

Amount: ~$3,000-$5,000

Time to fill out application: January 1 - 30, July 1 - 30

The high fives is an organization based in Tahoe that initially started funding primarily injured professional athletes, but have since loosened the requirements. They will fund equipment for SCI and TBI survivors injured while doing an outdoor sport or any inertia based injury.

Kelly Brush Grant

Dates: Two grant cycles, Spring (Jan to April) and Fall (July to September)

Amount: $1,500 to $5,000

The Kelly Brush foundation funds millions of dollars of sports equipment yearly. They are active in the Bay Area and have an annual ride up Mt. Tam (where you can meet Kelly in person). Really great people with a great mission

Victoria’s Victory

Dates: Three grant cycles

Amount: $1500 - $6000

Time to fill out application: varies, but ~ Jan 1st - 30th, July 1st - 30th, Oct 4th - Nov 3rd

IMPORTANT NOTE: Need to have other funding lined up, they want to turn around funding pretty quickly, might even be less time than High Fives

Victoria’s Victory Foundation is an organization founded on the desire to help those with mobility disabilities by providing scholarships and knowledge-based support that empowers individuals to live with dignity and independence.

AdaptX

Dates: Once a year, opening in the fall (2026 cycle: October 5 – November 8, awards announced in late December)

Amount: ?

Time to fill out application: Applications close November 8, 2026

For competitive adaptive athletes of all ages who could benefit from upgrading their equipment. This grant could cover the cost of: Para/Adaptive Sports Equipment. AdaptX grants have funded running blades, racing wheelchairs, Hoyt running chairs for duo teams, sports chairs for tennis, rugby, and basketball, handcycles, mono skis, and sleds. Past grants have also covered accessibility upgrades like ramps and bathroom renovations, physical therapy, and vehicle hand controls.

Go Hawkeye

Dates: Two grant cycles, May 1st and November 1st

Amount: Rarely exceed $5,000

Time to fill out application: Before May1st and before November 1st

The grant program extends its eligibility to adaptive individuals and organizations across the United States, offering grants for both adaptive sports equipment and adaptive sports experiences. The grant cycle follows a biannual schedule, concluding on May 1 and November 1.

Be Perfect Foundation

Dates: ?

Amount: ?

Scholarships for people living with paralysis or a neurological disorder, for basic medical needs such as supplies, wheelchairs, small home or car modifications, and activity-based therapy. Demand is high, so not every qualified applicant gets funded.

Bridge to Mobility

Dates: Rolling; the board reviews and awards grants quarterly

Amount: Up to $5,000

"Last dollar" gap funding to help wheelchair users buy a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. You apply through a NMEDA mobility dealer, who submits the application when there is a funding gap.

Catapult

Dates: Once a year; the next application window opens in spring 2027

Amount: Varies (in 2026 they gave $55,250 across 72 athletes)

Grants for athletes with physical disabilities to cover competition fees, travel and lodging, coaching and adaptive sports equipment. Recipients are asked to represent Team Catapult at events.

Project 34

Dates: Reviewed and awarded quarterly

Amount: ?

Time to fill out application: About 20 minutes; the form can’t be saved, so do it in one sitting

Supports people living with a spinal cord injury. Past grants have covered medical equipment and assistive devices like standing frames and folding wheelchairs, rehab programs and physical therapy.

Surfgimp Foundation

Dates: ?

Amount: ?

For kids, teens and adults with disabilities who want to stay active. Covers lessons and camps, travel and entry fees for competitions, adaptive equipment such as handcycles and sport wheelchairs, and gear that opens up activities (kayaks, bike trailers, state park passes).

Tyler Schrenk Foundation

Dates: Temporarily paused (not taking new applicants as of November 2026)

Amount: Up to $2,500

Assistive technology grants, such as voice-controlled lights, TV and phone devices, with an optional track that includes help choosing, installing and learning the equipment.

Grants for Special Groups

America’s Fund

Dates: Open enrollment

Group: US military veterans and their families

Amount: ?

America’s Fund is a program created to direct urgently needed resources and financial support to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. This is a program of the Semper Fi Fund, an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy and a 4-star (highest possible) rating from Charity Navigator. Since its inception in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has provided more than $76 million in support.

The Independence Fund

Dates: Open enrollment

Group: US military veterans injured in the line of duty

Amount: ?

The Independence Fund's mission is to provide the tools, therapies, and guidance that those veterans severely injured in the Line of Duty are otherwise not receiving. The Independence Fund is an entirely 100%, All Volunteer Non-Profit whose Board of Directors is comprised entirely of Combat Veterans. Find out more at www.independencefund.org.

SCORE

Dates: ?

Group: People that suffered a spinal cord injury in non-motorized sports or athletic recreation activity

Amount: $1,000-$2,500

SCORE aims to assist young people who have been injured while participating in sporting events or athletic recreation. SCORE endeavors to improve the quality of life for people with a spinal cord injury, assisting with the substantial out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining the best medical care, home amenities and transportation. The end goal is to facilitate rehabilitation and independent living. Find out more at www.scorefund.org.

Swim with Mike

Dates: May 1st

Group: College students

Amount: ?

Swim With Mike provides financial resources for the advanced education of physically challenged athletes to overcome their tragedies and realize their full potential.

Chive Charities

Dates: No deadlines listed

Group: US veterans and military families, first responders, and people with a verified rare medical diagnosis

Amount: ?

Pays for specific items insurance doesn’t fully cover: medical equipment, mobility items like wheelchairs, stair lifts and prosthetics, and therapy items including adaptive bikes. You can only apply once, and higher household income or a large existing fundraiser can make you ineligible.

The Joseph Groh Foundation

Dates: ?

Group: People connected to the contracting and construction trades (including family) living with a life-altering disability

Amount: ?

Financial assistance for members of the construction trades community living with a permanent disability.

Road Runner Sports – Athletes Helping Athletes

Dates: ?

Group: Kids 18 and under with a permanent physical disability

Amount: Equipment only, no cash

Gives adaptive bikes, mostly handcycles, to kids who can ride on their own and have already tried the bike they’re asking for. They don’t reimburse past purchases, so contact them before you buy.

Team PossAbilities

Dates: June 1 – August 31 (decisions by November 30)

Group: Enrolled Team PossAbilities members (Loma Linda, CA)

Amount: Depends on available funds; requests over $1,000 need a reference letter

Member grants for equipment, accessibility, education, social outings and travel to sporting events. One application per year, and past recipients wait two years before reapplying.

Regional Grants (US)

Bishstrong Foundation

Dates: 2/1-3/31

Region: Preference to New England, but have funded states outside their area

Amount: Up to $5,000

The Bishstrong Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization which aims to inspire and encourage individuals with spinal cord injuries and those living with paralysis to remain active. Our foundation provides resources aimed at helping individuals to become more independent and lead healthy fulfilling lifestyles. Through fundraising we provide financial assistance grants to qualified individuals to assist in the purchase of vitally necessary adaptive equipment.

Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

Dates: Reviewed quarterly (January, March, June, September)

Region: US residents, with priority for Wisconsin

Amount: ?

For people with a spinal cord injury or spinal cord disorder who show financial need. Covers wheelchair upgrades and repairs, vehicle modifications like hand controls and lifts (not the vehicle itself), small home modifications and other adaptive equipment. Payment goes straight to the supplier, and wheelchair quotes must come from a local vendor.

I'M ABLE

Dates: Temporarily paused

Region: Mid atlantic ( PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC, and NY)

Amount: ?

I'M ABLE grants are awarded to disabled individuals and supporting organizations and provide hand-cycles, adaptive skis and instructional training programs for those in need. Our purpose is to unleash the potential in physically challenged children and adults to be more active, enjoy the benefits of physical fitness, and spend more time in the great outdoors. Find out more at http://getupandmove.org/funding.php

Stacy Fuson Foundation

Dates: Applicants reviewed every 30-90 days by board of directors

Region: Priority for residents of Arizona or California

Amount: $2,500 - $7,500

Providing financial assistance for people with disabilities to cover costs such as physical therapy, medical and sports equipment, living expenses, and other related expenses, enabling them to remain active in their communities.

Triumph Foundation

Dates: Applicants reviewed every 30-90 days by board of directors

Region: Priority for residents of southern California

IMPORTANT NOTE: Need to have other funding lined up, they want to turn around funding pretty quickly, might even be less time than High Fives

Amount: $2,000

Triumph Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help individuals with Spinal Cord Injury triumph over their disability and to inspire them to keep moving forward with their lives by pushing themselves to get better every day. Triumph Foundation works to minimize the obstacles that one faces after suffering Spinal Cord Injury. We specialize in galvanizing and restoring lives after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Find out more at www.triumph-foundation.org.

Other grant lists and resources

A lot of the above grants were sourced from the following sources (which may have been updated since)

KBF Active Project - The KBF grant finder is a great place to find resources in the US.

Support NOW - https://grants.supportnow.org/ Find grants to cover your medical needs

Norcal SCI - https://norcalsci.org/grantsandfinancialassistance

Lasher Sport - https://lashersport.com/funding.html

SportOn - https://jpmpro.com/funding

Bike On - https://bike-on.com/cycle-funding/