Fueled by the belief that movement creates momentum, purpose, and possibility, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) proudly announces its 2026 Grant Distribution, providing 4,033 grants totaling more than $7M to athletes with physical disabilities worldwide. Through access to adaptive sports equipment, sports prosthetics, training, coaching, and competition travel expenses, CAF continues to empower individuals of all ages to pursue active, athletic lifestyles.
This year also marks a milestone for the organization: more than $200 million raised since its inception 33 years ago. Through funding for adaptive sports equipment, sports prosthetics, training, coaching, and competition travel, CAF continues to remove barriers and expand access to sport for athletes of all ages and abilities.
This year’s theme, Power in Motion, reflects how access creates progress. What begins with a grant – equipment, training, or a first opportunity – often leads to something more: confidence, independence, and connection to a broader community. Each grant represents forward movement, built over time through consistent support.
“Movement is more than action; it is momentum, purpose, and possibility coming to life,” said Kristine Entwistle, CAF Chief Executive Director. “Through sport, athletes discover strength they didn’t know they had, independence they once thought impossible, and a community that moves forward together. Our 2026 Grant Distribution is a powerful reminder that when we invest in access, we help unlock potential.”
For more than three decades, CAF has been committed to removing barriers between athletes with physical disabilities and their pursuit of sport and fitness. The global Grant Program provides financial support for resources that are often not covered by medical insurance, including adaptive sports equipment, sports prosthetics, and expenses related to training, coaching, and competition travel.
In 2026, CAF’s grant distribution reached athletes ranging in age from 4 to 86, in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 36 countries, across 86 different sports and activities, including wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, beep baseball, track and field, cycling, surfing, triathlon, alpine skiing, adaptive climbing, swimming, sitting volleyball and more.
CAF’s Operation Rebound® program continues to uplift injured veterans, active-duty military, and first responders through sport. This year, 739 Operation Rebound grants totaling $812,118 were awarded. These grants support physical and emotional recovery, creating a sense of belonging and purpose through adaptive athletics.
CAF’s Grant Program is made possible through the generosity of partners committed to inclusion, innovation, and access in sport.
For more than 33 years, Össur, CAF’s exclusive global prosthetic partner, has helped athletes with limb loss and limb difference access advanced prosthetic technology that supports active living and sport. This year, 125 Össur grants were awarded, empowering recipients to pursue goals ranging from everyday movement to elite-level competition.
As CAF’s official mobility partner, Toyota shares a commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and helping people move through life with greater freedom. Together, CAF and Toyota supported grants for athletes using adaptive equipment across a variety of sports, from sled hockey to wheelchair basketball. Through its “Let’s Go Places” spirit and year-round support, Toyota continues to help fuel opportunity, independence, and possibility through sport.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation continues to play a vital role in expanding adaptive sports opportunities across Idaho. Its support powers both the CAF-Idaho initiative and the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, an innovative Boise-based hub created to foster inclusive access to sport, fitness, and community. In 2025, CAF-Idaho supported 168 athletes statewide through grants, equipment, and programming that inspire movement, connection, and confidence.
EoS Fitness continues to advance inclusion and accessibility in fitness through its partnership with CAF. This year, the national fitness brand provided 157 top-tier memberships to eligible CAF athletes across the country. With year-round access to training facilities, athletes are able to build strength, confidence, and endurance while developing healthy habits that support both sport and everyday life.
Nike has been a proud supporter of CAF since the organization’s founding in 1994, beginning as one of the first sponsors of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge by donating shoes to athletes with physical disabilities. Over the past 33 years, Nike has continued to champion greater access and equity in sport through generous product donations and financial support. This year, Nike helped fund grants for adaptive equipment, training, and competition expenses, while empowering athletes to build strength, confidence, and community through sport.
CAF supports athletes of all ages across more than 105 sports and fitness activities, from recreation to elite competition. The Grant Program includes six support opportunities offered throughout the year: Annual Grants, Össur Grants, Operation Rebound Grants, EōS Fitness Grants, Idaho Grants, and Discretionary Grants designed to meet urgent or unexpected athlete needs outside the annual cycle.
Sign up for stories of resilience, event invites, and ways to make a difference delivered with heart, straight to your inbox.
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox regularly for updates
from the CAF team.
Apply for grants for adaptive sports equipment, prosthetics, coaching, and more.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Learn about outreach, awareness, and education programs for schools.
Join programs in our key regions.
Adaptive Sports Organizations listed by state and country.
Browse our resources by sport to find the right equipment, trainings, and organizations for you.
Make a 100% tax deductible donation with one click.
Donate every month. Just $10 makes a
difference.
Find another way to give that works for you.
Get in front of an engaged and passionate audience and support our mission while advancing your goals.
Create an impact by sponsoring life-changing events.
Support your corporate giving initiatives with 100% tax deductible donations.
Create an event you’re passionate about in a few easy steps.
Contribute to or take part in an existing event.
Learn how to get your school involved in a great cause and access tools for success.
Explore digital or in-person volunteer opportunities at a CAF event near you.
Join inclusive adaptive sports events and experiences open to everyone.
Discover upcoming events in your area to fundraise, participate, or volunteer.
Explore regional community events, clinics, and donation options in the greater Bay Area.
Explore regional events, grants, and donation options in San Diego, Orange County, and LA County.
Explore community events, clinics, grants, and more in the state of Idaho.
Explore local community events, clinics, and donation options in the Northeast region.
Ride with us. No matter where you are, you’re part of the CAF cycling community.
Find something that moves you. Athlete stories, event coverage, and more.
Explore our resource library to access information on your adaptive sport.
Explore our video library to get digital coaching, equipment guides, and more.
Access the tools you need to best support your fundraising efforts.
