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

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, through the National Veterans Sports Programs, has announced the forecasted availability of funding under the Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces. This opportunity, identified as VA-SPORTS-26, is intended to expand and support adaptive sports activities and training programs that benefit veterans and service members with disabilities. The program aligns with the VA’s mission of enhancing the quality of life and overall well-being of those who have served the country, focusing on rehabilitation, recreation, and community integration through sports. The purpose of this funding is to provide resources to qualified organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement adaptive sports opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members living with disabilities. These opportunities may include competitive and recreational sporting events, structured training, instructional clinics, and other organized activities that promote participation, physical activity, and social engagement. The program specifically excludes equine therapy projects related to mental health, which must instead be submitted under a separate opportunity, VA-EQUINE-26. The estimated total program funding available for this opportunity is $16,000,000, subject to the availability of federal funds. The maximum award for a single applicant is expected to be $750,000, with no stated minimum award amount. Funding is discretionary, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will determine award distribution based on the merit of applications received. No cost sharing or matching funds are required from applicants, allowing organizations of different sizes and capacities to compete on an even basis. Applications are expected to open on March 10, 2026, with a submission deadline of May 11, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be made by September 30, 2026, and funded projects are expected to begin on October 1, 2026. Since the current notice is a forecast rather than a formal solicitation, these dates remain tentative and subject to updates. Applicants should monitor the VA National Veterans Sports Programs website and Grants.gov for further information and final release of the notice of funding opportunity. There is currently no pre-application requirement, such as a letter of intent or concept paper, associated with this program. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribal organizations, Native American tribal governments, small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. Individuals are also eligible to apply. The eligibility structure is designed to encourage wide participation and to foster innovative approaches to adaptive sports for disabled veterans and service members across the nation. For further information, applicants may contact a program specialist at the National Veterans Sports Programs by emailing Grants4Vets@va.gov. No phone number is listed in the forecast notice. The assistance listing number associated with this program is 64.034, which corresponds specifically to VA grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. Interested organizations should reference this number in all communications and application materials. Applicants are encouraged to review the forthcoming full notice carefully to ensure compliance with all requirements and to maximize competitiveness in the review process.