Gear Up for Greatness: CAF’s 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program Opens Soon!
Are you tired of always borrowing someone else’s handcycle, recumbent trike, or sport chair just to get out on the road or court? If you're ready to finally own gear that is custom-fitted to your body, tuned to your goals, and waiting in your garage whenever you are ready to ride, the opportunity is right around the corner.
For over three decades, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has operated under a simple, powerful belief: access to sports creates movement, independence, and community. Specialty adaptive equipment and travel costs are rarely covered by standard insurance, creating steep financial hurdles for people with physical disabilities. CAF’s Annual Grant Program exists to eliminate those barriers, empowering individuals to pursue active, athletic lifestyles on their own terms.
Why This Matters to the SCI Community
For individuals living with a spinal cord injury, adaptive sports are often far more than just a workout. Whether adjusting to life post-injury or pushing toward new competitive goals, getting back on the court, track, trail, or water rebuilds physical strength, restores independence, and connects athletes to a powerful, supportive community.
Because gear like handcycles, everyday sports chairs, and custom rugby rigs comes with significant out-of-pocket costs, CAF grants bridge the gap between having a goal and getting the gear needed to achieve it.
What to Know About the Process
The 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program opens for applications on September 28, 2026, and closes on November 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT.
While CAF’s application system provides step-by-step guidance, pulling a few key pieces together ahead of time will make the process seamless once the portal opens:
Medical Verification: A completed CAF Medical Verification of Disability form (or qualifying medical records) confirming permanent physical disability.
Financial Details: Basic proof of income, such as recent tax documents or benefit letters.
Letters of Recommendation: One recommendation letter for general sport expense requests, or two letters if applying for adaptive equipment.
Quotes or Estimates: Clear details on costs if requesting specific non-partner equipment, travel, or coaching fees.
Take the First Step
Equipment and financial hurdles should never dictate how far, fast, or high you can go. The application portal opens on September 28, but the foundation work starts right now. Set up your CAF portal account, start your medical verification form, and position yourself to turn your athletic ambitions into reality this season. Find out more HERE to get ready!
