Equipment Grants
We understand that adapted equipment can be expensive and funding might be hard to come by. To help, we've put together a list of organizations who offer grants to promote active living for individuals living with disability. Grants and other related opportunities are not guaranteed. Please visit each organization/foundation website for detailed information about eligibility.
U.S. Grants
Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
"At the BRPF, we find it very important to help those individuals already suffering from the devastating affects of a spinal cord injury. The financial costs associated with spinal cord injuries are extreme and many times as crippling as the injury itself. In an effort to provide some assistance, we have established charitable grants which are awarded quarterly to individuals."
Eligibility: "Applicants must suffer from a neurological disorder with preference going to spinal cord injuries. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation. There is no age requirement. Applicants must reside in the United States. Applicants must request specific modifications or equipment to apply for a Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation grant; requests for "anything you can give" will not be considered."
Contact: info@brpf.org
"Cerner Charitable Foundation provides individual medical grants that cover a wide variety of clinical, equipment, travel & lodging, and vehicle modification costs related to children's healthcare needs."
Eligibility: "The child must be 18 years of age or younger (a person 19–21 may be considered if they are in a child-like mental state). The child must be under the care of a physician. The request must be clinically relevant to a specific healthcare need of the child. There must be no existing insurance coverage for the requested expenses. One request per 12 months, per child for a maximum of three times in a child’s lifetime."
Contact: casegrants@cerner.com
Challenged Athletes Foundation
"CAF’s flagship grant program aims to remove the barriers that exist between adaptive athletes and their pursuit of sport and fitness."
Eligibility: "Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities are eligible to apply for the CAF grant. Teams, organizations, etc. are not eligible to apply. Hearing impairments, Intellectual and developmental disabilities do not qualify for support through CAF. Medical Verification of Disability is required."
Contact: cafgrants@challengedathletes.org
"Catapult’s annual grant program provides financial and equipment grants to visually impaired and mobility impaired athletes for costs related to gaining access to and competing in the world of adaptive sports."
Eligibility: "Every athlete application submission is given careful consideration regarding background, current and future goals, and dedication to self-improvement."
Contact: hello@teamcatapult.org
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
"The Quality of Life Grants Program, created by the late Dana Reeve, strives to empower individuals with disabilities and their families by providing grants to nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life through inclusion, access, independence, opportunities for community engagement, and other life-enhancing endeavors."
Eligibility: "Quality of Life grant applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, municipal and state governments, school districts, recognized tribal entities, and other institutions such as community or veterans hospitals." Grants for adapted exercise/physical therapy equipment may be awarded to individuals. Read more about eligibility for individuals here.
Contact: QoL@christopherreeve.org
"Our mission is to help people with Spinal Cord Injuries achieve a better quality of life during the recovery from their injuries & learn to walk again. We award therapy scholarships to people in need of financial assistance at approved recovery based therapy facilities."
Eligibility: "In order to be selected, we will need your consent to share your story on our website, social media sites, articles, print material or promotions. We will also need your personal guarantee to help promote the Dream2Walk Foundation by spreading the word about us."
Contact: contact@dream2walk.org
"The ERIC Fund (formally known as The Eric C. Savader Memorial Disabilities Fund) was founded in 1998 in memory of Eric Savader, a disability rights proponent who worked with leading national disability and political organizations in Washington, DC. Eric believed strongly that individuals with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, could and should lead independent lives in the community. The ERIC Fund was founded to help provide assistive technology, devices and equipment for individuals with disabilities to help them live, work, go to school and participate actively in community life."
Eligibility: "Live in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This includes the District of Columbia, Maryland (Montgomery, Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Howard, Charles and St. Mary’s counties), and Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford, Loudon and Fauquier counties and the City of Alexandria). Be 0-65 years of age. Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act: “Disability – The term ‘disability’ means with respect to an individual: (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such an impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment.”
Contact: info@ericfund.org
"The Falling Forward Foundation™ supports patients recovering from catastrophic medical issues. We provide funding that allows patients to continue their rehabilitation, to recover to their fullest potential, and to move forward in their lives."
Eligibility: Please visit their website for eligibility criteria.
Contact: fallingforwardfoundation@gmail.com
"At Friends of Man we are a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt charity using 100% of donations for charitable assistance. We work through Referring Professionals (caseworkers, case managers, healthcare workers, social workers, school counselors, teachers, clergy) who apply on behalf of their patients and clients needing mobility equipment, prosthetics, glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and much more!"
Eligibility: "Helps people of all ages in Colorado with a large variety of needs. Assists people who live outside of Colorado with a limited range of needs."
Contact: 303-798-2342
"We provide qualified individuals with funding for participation in EXERCISE-BASED RECOVERY PROGRAMS and the purchase of ADAPTABLE PRODUCTS. These programs and products have been proven to greatly improve the physical and emotional well-being of the injured individual."
Eligibility: "All individuals must have a qualifying spinal cord injury as determined by The International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNSCI), commonly referred to as the ASIA Exam."
Contact: info@gettingbackup.org
"The GoHawkeye Foundation believes that the power of sports and recreation is essential to the quality of life by helping to develop confidence, independence and good health through physical and mental strength. These benefits are especially important for those living with a disability. Our GoHawkeye Sports Equipment Grants help applicants acquire outdoor sports equipment."
Eligibility: "You have never been awarded a GoHawkeye grant or two years have passed since receiving a grant from GoHawkeye."
Contact: hawkeye@gohawkeye.com
"The Empowerment Fund provides resources and inspiration to those who suffer a life-changing injury. These include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation or other mobility-limiting injuries that occurred in an individual's lifetime. The resources and inspiration that High Fives provides comes in the form of Board-approved grant funding, paid to service providers in specific funding categories: adaptive sports equipment, healing network, medical equipment, programs, living expenses, and emergency care/injury expenses."
Eligibility: "Empowerment Grants are primarily need-based, awarded in fulfillment of the High Fives Foundation’s mission and vision." Grants for adapted exercise/physical therapy equipment may be awarded. Read more about eligibility here.
Contact: dani@highfivesfoundation.org
"The Ian Burkhart Foundation will help individuals seek out widely accessible funding sources and provide grants for items not usually covered by insurance however they will greatly increase independence and quality of life. Eligible items include but are not limited to wheelchairs, exercise equipment, vehicle modifications, home modifications, adaptive equipment. It is up to the applicant to explain how this grant will improve their quality of life."
Eligibility: "Applicants must have a spinal cord injury. They must demonstrate financial need and may be required to provide documentation. There is no age requirement, however, they must reside in the United States.
Contact: Inquiries can be made here.
"Primarily, IM ABLE Grants are awarded to individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral challenges residing in the Mid-Atlantic region, providing adaptive sports gear and group fitness programs. At times, we will award grants to organizations whose mission aligns with ours (see eligibility requirements below). 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."
Eligibility: "Award criterion for individuals is primarily based on the following variables: Residence in the mid-Atlantic region, defined as the following states: PA, NJ, MD, DE, DC, and NY. Due to limited funding, we are unable to consider applications outside of these states. Consideration of the physical condition, limitations, and potential of the applicant. Financial challenges or hardship. A demonstrated commitment by the candidate to become more active."
Contact: info@imablefoundation.org
"The Kelly Brush Foundation is dedicated to making active lifestyles a reality for anyone with a spinal cord injury. Life is better active! Through the Active Fund, we provide grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment. We believe in the power of sport and recreation to foster inclusion and overcome the barriers of paralysis. We have helped over 1,000 people from 49 states purchase handcycles, monoskis, sport chairs, racing chairs, hockey sleds, and much more."
Eligibility: "Individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury who reside in the US. Other conditions are not eligible for our grant programs, including (but not limited to) spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, Guillain-Barre´ Strohl Syndrome, ALS, all other neuropathies, and all other conditions causing disability."
Contact: grants@kellybrushfoundation.org
"The purpose of a PossAbilities grant or scholarship is to provide support for our members to improve the quality of life, assist in the reintegration of those with disabilities into the community and society, and to meet the specific needs of our members."
Eligibility: "Any member of PossAbilities may apply based on the guidelines found here. A friend or family member may also apply on behalf of a PossAbilities member, as long as the PossAbilities member is willing to sign a release of liability if selected to receive support."
Contact: possabilities@llu.edu
"Project 34 assists with the purchasing of medical equipment and assistive devices that may not be otherwise accessible to a patient, as well as provides grants to individuals to afford physical therapy for optimal function. We want to ease the stress that accompanies the financial burden of these necessary materials, so that the patient and their families can focus on living a fulfilling life."
Eligibility: None listed.
Contact: Inquiries can be made here.
"The benefit shall be used to reimburse for adaptive equipment; camp, adaptive sports, and recreation equipment; urological supplies for individuals over the age of 3; durable medical equipment and assistive technology. Our goal is to allow each approved applicant to receive a benefit award. For 2023, each individual may apply for a maximum annual benefit award of $250. The award may be distributed in smaller amounts over the course of the year, if needed, up to a maximum of $250."
Eligibility: "The Empowerment Benefit Grant is available to any member of the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England (“SBAGNE”) with spina bifida."
Contact: jbertschmann@sbagreaterne.org
Spinal Cord Opportunities for Rehabilitation Endowment
"The intent of the grant is to improve the quality of life of the grantee over an extended period of time. Past grants have been used to acquire sport chairs for tennis, rugby, basketball, hand-cycles, bathroom renovations, permanent ramp into a home, adaptive fitness equipment, physical therapy and hand-controls."
Eligibility: "The organization focuses its grants exclusively on individuals who meet ALL of the following criteria: sustained a spinal cord injury, were paralyzed while participating in sports or athletic recreation, and have a demonstrated financial need."
Contact: questions@scorefund.org
"Still Standing is a non-profit organization committed to empowering active lifestyles by granting adaptive equipment. With the support of generous contributions, we help individuals with disabilities achieve their activity goals, tailored to their unique circumstances. Learn more about Still Standing here."
Eligibility: "At this time, we only serve recipients in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Our target applicants are individuals with spinal cord injuries, though all wheelchair-using individuals are welcome to apply."
Contact: info@stillstandingfoundation.org
"Triumph’s Keep Moving Forward (KMF) Grant is for people with spinal cord injury that have limited financial capability to help them triumph over obstacles they face and enhance their quality of life. Triumph’s KMF Grants helps individuals get necessary Adaptive Equipment for activities of daily living, make Home Modifications for wheelchair accessibility, enable the Return to Work reintegrating back into the community, and maintain Therapeutic Activities for health and wellness."
Eligibility: "Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America, with priority given to Southern California residents. Applications are reviewed by Board of Directors every 30-90 days, the maximum grant is $2,000 when funds are available, and are paid directly to the vendor (no cash assistance to individuals)."
Contact: Inquiries can be made here.
"Victoria's Victory Foundation provides resources and hope to those with mobility challenge related disabilities due to life-altering injuries or diagnosis. VVF gives the gift of HOPE! Victory Scholarships are committee approved assistance gifts for the following areas of needs: recovery training sessions, in-home nursing services, mobility equipment and home & vehicle modifications. By assisting with the cost of these out-of-pocket expenses, we are helping others to achieve their own personal victory. The VICTORY program allows those with mobility challenge related disabilities to have access to the resources they need to lead more independent lives."
Eligibility: "Applicants must be individuals living with mobility challenged related disabilities."
Contact: scholarships@victoriasvictory.org
U.S. Grants for Veterans
"Since our founding in 2010, the Catch A Lift Fund has helped thousands of post 9/11 combat injured veterans regain their mental and physical health through gym memberships, in home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs and a peer support network. Catch A Lift vets are seeing and feeling results including dramatic weight loss, reduction in medications, improved sleep patterns, and strengthened relationships with family and friends, thanks to their healthier lifestyle. Our veteran testimonials attest that CAL has "saved their lives"; the greatest impact of all."
Eligibility: "Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, who deployed & sustained combat related injuries with a VA rating of 50% (with a minimum of 30% in one combat related injury) and above, reside in the Continental United States, Hawaii or Alaska, can apply to the Wellness Program Phase 1. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, who were deployed Post 9-11, served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan (OIF,OEF,OND) & sustained combat related injuries with a VA rating of 50% (with a minimum of 30% in one combat related injury) and above, reside in the Continental United States, Hawaii or Alaska, can apply to the Wellness Program Phase 1 and Phase 2."
Contact: Inquiries can be made here.
National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events Office
"The mission of the NVSP&SE office is to provide opportunities for Veterans to improve their independence, well-being, and quality of life through adaptive sports and therapeutic arts programs. VA awards grants to qualifying organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs to provide adaptive sports opportunities for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces as authorized under 38 United States Code 521A."
Eligibility: "To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a non-federal entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program. As per 38 Code of Federal Regulations 77, criteria for inclusion is defined as programs that are (1) affiliated with a National Paralympic Committee or a National Governing Body authorized to provide Paralympic sports, (2) an adaptive sports program of a National Governing Body that meets additional requirements, or (3) an adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or the eligible participants reside in at least five different congressional districts."
Contact: sports4vets@va.gov
"Named in honor of the late Peter Michael Murphy, this program provides adaptive equipment; professional instruction and clinics; mentorship; coaching; and physical outlets through activities such as cycling, mountain biking, snow sports, water sports, triathlon, fishing, team sports, and more."
Eligibility: "To be eligible for a grant, an organization must be a non-federal entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program. As per 38 Code of Federal Regulations 77, criteria for inclusion is defined as programs that are (1) affiliated with a National Paralympic Committee or a National Governing Body authorized to provide Paralympic sports, (2) an adaptive sports program of a National Governing Body that meets additional requirements, or (3) an adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or the eligible participants reside in at least five different congressional districts."
Contact: Inquiries can be made here.