Access for Athletes — Challenged Athletes Foundation’s® (CAF) flagship program — steps in where rehabilitation and health insurance end by providing funding grants for equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles, mono skis and sports prosthetics, and resources for training and competition expenses directly to physically challenged individuals. Access for Athletes surmounts financial impediments to participation in sports, ensuring that challenged athletes are not left on the sidelines because they can’t afford expensive equipment or training costs. CAF believes participating in sports not only increases challenged athletes’ physical fitness and activity levels, but also enhances their confidence and self-esteem.
The 2013 grant application period has now closed. You may apply for the 2014 Access for Athletes grant beginning September 1, 2013. Access for Athletes grants are distributed annually. Our online application system opens on September 1 every year and closes on December 1.and must be postmarked by December 1. Grant awards are announced in early April. Read the FAQs for more information. Check out the Grant Application for a checklist of what you’ll need to submit.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a grant through Access for Athletes, an athlete’s physical disability must be recognized within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classifications. For more information, please visit the IPC website. CAF does not discriminate based on age, gender, level of ability or sport, but does require applicants to demonstrate a clear financial need for their grant request.
For questions, or to be mailed or faxed a copy of the application, please call our Programs Manager, Carolyn Odom at 858.210.3506, or email her at: carolyn@challengedathletes.org
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