Applications open for Annual Sport Expense and Participation Grants

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) offers its 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program, including Sport Expense and Participation Grants to help athletes with physical disabilities cover costs to participate in adaptive sports. These grants are intended to remove financial barriers for individuals preparing for competition and training. The application window opens on September 28, 2026, and closes on November 13, 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organization: Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)

- Opportunity name: Annual Sport Expense and Participation Grants (listed as Sport Expense Grants in the CAF Grant Portal)

- Grant period: 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program

- Application deadline: November 13, 2026 (Not specified in the source)

- Award limit: Maximum award of $1,500

- Eligible applicants: Individuals worldwide with a qualifying permanent physical disability

- Eligible locations: Worldwide (with a separate application process for Idaho residents)

- Duration: Not specified in the source

About the Opportunity

CAF’s Sport Expense and Participation Grants support athletes with physical disabilities who want to access adaptive sports opportunities. The grants are designed to help cover participation-related expenses such as travel, competition fees, and training costs—costs that can otherwise prevent athletes from staying active and progressing toward personal goals. The source also indicates that the CAF grant portal labels these awards as Sport Expense Grants. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum award: $1,500

- Grant funds may be used for: - Travel to competition, including flights and lodging - Event entry fees - Coaching and training expenses - Small equipment purchases to maintain existing adaptive equipment (examples given: tires and parts) - Key payment timing rule (as described in FAQs): - Grant funds are sent after acceptance, and applicants must upload receipts by January 31 of the following year.

- Important restriction category:

- Applicants must be aware that some costs are explicitly not allowable (see next section). Who Is Eligible? This grant is described as open to: - Individuals worldwide with a permanent physical disability - Applicants who can provide medical verification of disability The source also lists the following limits and exclusions: - Teams, organizations, or groups are not eligible. - Applicants with hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities do not qualify.

- Applicants must provide:

- Medical verification of disability - 1 year of required financial documentation - A letter of recommendation - Idaho residents: The source states that Idaho grants follow a different application process. The article includes a prompt to explore Idaho grants, but does not provide additional process details in the text provided. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Sport Expense and Participation Grants are meant to cover expenses tied directly to participating in sports, including: - Competition travel (flights and lodging) - Event participation costs (entry fees) - Training and coaching related to the sport - Minor replacement/maintenance purchases for existing adaptive equipment Why This Opportunity Matters Participation costs—especially travel, entry fees, and coaching/training expenses—can be a major barrier for athletes with physical disabilities. CAF’s Sport Expense and Participation Grants focus specifically on reducing those financial barriers for individual athletes seeking to compete and train within adaptive sports. How to Apply - Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for CAF Sport Expense and Participation Grants (especially individual applicant status, qualifying permanent physical disability, and documentation requirements). - If you are an Idaho resident, follow the Idaho-specific application process indicated by CAF (Not specified in the source beyond the prompt to “Explore Idaho Grants”). - Apply through the CAF Grant Portal (the source notes that these are listed as Sport Expense Grants in the portal). - Use the downloadable resources referenced on the page to prepare your submission: - CAF Sport Expense Grant Applicant Guide (PDF) (Download) - CAF Grant Application Checklist (PDF) (Download) - Grant Eligibility At A Glance (PDF) (Download) - Submit your application between September 28, 2026 and November 13, 2026 (deadline time and time zone not specified in the source).

Official opportunity page: CAF Participation Grants / Sport Expense and Participation Grants

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Request only one category per grant cycle: The FAQ states applicants may only request one category per grant cycle (e.g., participation vs equipment) and cannot request both in the same year. - Do not plan for excluded expenses: The grant cannot be used for several cost types listed by CAF (travel for coaches/family, certain lodging, medical/rehab services, nutrition supplements, uniforms, and certain technology, among others).

- Plan for receipt upload timing: If awarded, receipts must be uploaded by January 31 of the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions 1) Can I apply for both participation and equipment funding in the same year? No. The source states that applicants may only request one category per grant cycle.

2) Are expenses reimbursed or paid in advance?

The source explains that grant funds are sent after acceptance, and you must upload receipts by January 31 of the following year.

3) Can I use funds for multiple events?

Yes. Funds may be used for multiple events as long as the events are within the grant cycle dates and related to your sport.

4) Who can apply for CAF Sport Expense and Participation Grants?

The grant is open to individuals worldwide with a permanent physical disability, as long as they provide medical verification, required financial documentation, and a letter of recommendation.

5) Are teams or organizations eligible?

No. The source explicitly states that teams, organizations, or groups ar