For more than 30 years, the CAF Annual Grant Program has helped athletes with physical disabilities access the sports equipment, training, competition support, and travel funding they need to pursue active lives through sport.

Applications for the 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program open September 28, 2026, with grants awarded in 2027. Whether you’re applying for the first time or returning for another cycle, understanding the eligibility requirements, choosing the right grant type, and preparing your documentation early can help you submit a complete application.

What to Know for the 2026–2027 Grant Cycle

The 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program features many of the eligibility and application requirements introduced during the previous grant cycle. Applicants should review the requirements carefully, as eligibility, required documentation, and available funding vary by grant type.

This year, CAF has also introduced expanded Medical Verification of Disability resources, including a new form and detailed eligibility criteria, to help applicants and medical providers better understand CAF’s requirements.

• Seven-week application period: Applications are open September 28 through November 13, 2026 at 5pm PT.
• Grant-specific eligibility: Sport Expense Grants are available to eligible applicants in the U.S. and internationally, while Equipment Grants are limited to eligible applicants residing in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
• Required documentation: Applicants should prepare medical verification, financial documentation, and additional materials specific to the grant type they select.
• Financial need: Financial need is considered as part of the selection process, along with factors specific to each grant type.

“Sports have opened doors for me to compete, succeed, meet other athletes like me. Sports have improved my confidence.” — Danielle Kanas, 2026 grant recipient

Danielle’s Sport Expense Grant helps support her continued training and competition in track & field as she works toward her goal of LA28.

Key Dates for the 2026–2027 Annual Grant Program

• Applications open: September 28, 2026
• Applications close: November 13, 2026 at 5pm PT
• Application review: November 2026 through early 2027
• Award notifications: by March 2027

Choose the Right Grant Type

CAF’s Annual Grant Program offers several ways to request support. Applicants may apply for only one grant type during the annual grant cycle, so it’s important to determine which option best fits your needs.

Sport Expense Grant | U.S. + International

Sport Expense Grants provide funding for entry fees, travel, lodging, and training expenses directly related to participation in sport competitions, camps, clinics, and small equipment purchases. Funding may be used for a single expense or event or across multiple events.

Sport Expense Grants are available to eligible applicants residing in the United States, U.S. territories, and internationally.

Adaptive Sports Equipment | U.S. + U.S. Territories

Equipment Grants provide approved adaptive sports equipment through CAF’s preferred vendors. If awarded, recipients work directly with the vendor to place their order and arrange shipping, while CAF is billed for the cost of the approved equipment.

Funding for Equipment | U.S. + U.S. Territories

Applicants requesting adaptive sports equipment outside CAF’s preferred vendor program may apply for financial support toward their equipment purchase. Awards may cover full or partial costs based on the request, demonstrated financial need, and available program funds, with a maximum request of $3,500.

Both Equipment Grant options require residency in the United States or U.S. territories.

New Medical Verification of Disability Resources

All individuals applying for CAF grant funding must provide documentation from a medical provider explaining how their permanent physical disability affects their activities of daily living.

For the 2026–2027 grant cycle, CAF has introduced a new Medical Verification of Disability Form + Eligibility Criteria to make the process and eligibility requirements clearer.

Applicants have two options for providing medical verification:

Option A: Submit existing documentation

Applicants may provide a letter, existing document, or qualifying portion of a medical record from an approved medical provider. The documentation must include a diagnosis and explain how the permanent physical disability affects physical abilities and activities of daily living. The documentation does not need to be new or dated this year.

Applicants who have been classified by an international or national governing body in Paralympic sport may submit classification documentation. CAF will review the documentation to confirm that the physical disability meets CAF eligibility requirements.

Option B: Use CAF’s Medical Verification of Disability Form

Applicants may provide CAF’s form to an approved medical professional to complete and sign. Applicants must then upload the completed form to their CAF profile.

The new resource also provides detailed CAF eligibility criteria for coordination impairments, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of movement, leg length difference, limb deficiency, short stature, and visual impairment.

>>Download the Medical Verification of Disability Form + Eligibility Criteria<<

What You’ll Need to Apply

Documentation requirements vary based on the grant type you select.

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Medical verification documentation
• One year of financial documentation demonstrating need
• Up-to-date contact information in the CAF Grant Portal

Sport Expense Grant applicants will also need:

• One letter of recommendation from a coach, mentor, or other appropriate reference
• Event registration information or training program details
• Official cost estimates for all expenses in the grant request

Adaptive Sports Equipment applicants will also need:

• Two letters of recommendation from a coach, mentor, or other appropriate reference

Funding for Equipment applicants will also need:

• Two letters of recommendation from a coach, mentor, or other appropriate reference
• A vendor quote or estimate for the requested equipment

How Applications Are Evaluated

CAF reviews applications based on the requirements and selection criteria for each grant type.

For Sport Expense Grants, considerations include financial need, how the event or training aligns with the applicant’s sport development, commitment to sport or fitness, and available program funds.

For Equipment Grants, CAF considers how the requested equipment aligns with the applicant’s sport or fitness goals, its potential to support long-term participation, and whether the equipment is appropriate for the applicant’s ability and level of participation. Financial need is also a selection criterion for Funding for Equipment requests.

“Sport was really that hope in a dark time. It gave me a reason to get up every morning, a goal to get back on the field, and a community that supported me through it all.” – Parker Byrd, 2025 grant recipient

Parker’s grant provided the specialized prosthetic he needed to keep competing in baseball at the Division I level. More than that, it helped him continue mentoring younger athletes and sharing the impact sport has had on his life.

How to Prepare Before Applications Open

1. Choose your grant type. Review the available options and confirm which grant best fits your needs and location.
2. Prepare your medical verification. Review CAF’s new Medical Verification of Disability Form + Eligibility Criteria and determine which documentation option is right for you.
3. Gather financial documentation. Have one year of financial documentation demonstrating financial need ready before beginning your application.
4. Request recommendation letters. Sport Expense Grant applicants need one letter, while Equipment Grant applicants need two.
5. Gather grant-specific information. Depending on your request, this may include event details, travel or lodging estimates, training information, or an equipment quote.
6. Update your CAF Grant Portal profile. Make sure your contact and profile information is current before applications open.
7. Review the Applicant Guide. Requirements vary by grant type, so review the guide for the grant you plan to request before starting your application.

Year-Round Grant Programs

Separate from the Annual Grant Program, CAF also offers additional grant opportunities through specific programs.

• CAF + Össur Grant Program – Sports prosthetic support for eligible applicants with lower limb loss or limb difference.
• CAF-Idaho Grant Program – Grant opportunities for eligible individuals in Idaho.
• CAF Operation Rebound Grant Program – Grant support for eligible U.S. military veterans, first responders, and active-duty personnel with permanent physical disabilities.

Prepare for the 2026–2027 Grant Cycle

A complete application starts with understanding the requirements and preparing early. Before applications open, review the available grant types and eligibility requirements, gather your required documentation, and make sure you understand which grant opportunities are available based on your location.

Applications for the 2026–2027 CAF Annual Grant Program open September 28, 2026.