Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through its National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events (NVSPSE) office, administers the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program, a federal initiative aimed at enhancing the independence and quality of life for disabled Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Rooted in the mission to improve well-being through therapeutic and physical engagement, the program aligns with national directives such as Executive Order 14296 and Executive Order 14313, both emphasizing veteran care and outdoor access. This grant opportunity, referenced as VA-SPORTS-26, was published on March 27, 2026, and provides up to $16 million in funding, contingent on federal appropriations and grantee performance. The primary goal of the program is to expand adaptive sports opportunities across the nation, particularly targeting disabled Veterans and Armed Forces members. Adaptive sports activities include, but are not limited to, cycling, fishing, and pickleball. Funding is directed toward eligible non-federal government entities that can demonstrate significant experience managing large-scale adaptive sports programs for persons with disabilities. To be eligible, organizations must have two continuous years of such experience, supported by qualified personnel and, if applicable, through formalized partnerships. The scope of funding prioritizes providing diverse adaptive sports offerings, increasing geographic access in underserved areas, and offering training to VA adaptive sports providers through both in-person and web-based formats. The program is structured as a one-year grant, with awards anticipated to begin around September 30, 2026. Grant amounts may not exceed $750,000 per organization, and administrative expenses are capped at 5% of the total award. Funding cannot be used for construction, medical services, or research, nor can it reimburse expenses incurred prior to the grant's period of performance. Notably, only Veterans and service members with qualifying disabilities are eligible for participation. Veterans barred from VA benefits under 38 U.S.C. 5303-5303A or 38 C.F.R. 3.12 are also excluded from participation. Applicants may submit either a Renewal or an Initial Application. Renewal applications are available to FY 2025 grantees continuing the same programming and must adhere to a 3% cap on budget increases from the previous year. Initial Applications are open to new entities or prior grantees proposing new activities or budgets. Both types of applications require submission of VA Form 10096 and the SF-424 through Grants.gov, along with supplemental documents such as a narrative, budget details, and letters of partnership or support. All applicants must also complete the VA Form 10091 through the VA Customer Engagement Portal. The application deadline is firm—May 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. The review process includes administrative screening, a merit review (only for new applications), and a programmatic review that considers alignment with funding priorities, prior grantee performance, and balance across disability types. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by September 30, 2026. Awardees are required to comply with detailed post-award reporting, including quarterly and annual performance and financial reports, as mandated by 38 C.F.R. 77.16. Noncompliance may affect eligibility for future grants. Overall, the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program represents a robust federal commitment to improving the lives of disabled Veterans through inclusive, high-impact recreational programming. The program’s emphasis on geographic diversity, measurable outcomes, and responsible financial management ensures that funded activities will deliver significant value to participants and communities across the country.

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