What the Challenged Athletes Foundation Offers
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization that funds sports equipment, training, and competition costs for people with physical disabilities. Unlike many disability programs, CAF focuses specifically on adaptive athletes — people who want to compete or train in sports — rather than general disability support. The foundation does not run the sports themselves; instead, it provides money to individual athletes and sometimes to teams or camps that serve disabled athletes.
CAF operates nationally and has funded thousands of athletes across dozens of sports, from wheelchair racing and adaptive skiing to swimming, cycling, and basketball. The foundation's main work is distributing grants to cover costs that insurance or government programs typically do not pay for: a racing wheelchair, prosthetic running blades, coaching fees, travel to competitions, or entry fees. If you or someone you know is training or competing in an adaptive sport, understanding what CAF funds and how to learn about their programs is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- The Challenged Athletes Foundation funds equipment, coaching, and competition costs for athletes with physical disabilities, but does not run sports programs itself.
- CAF grants typically cover specific costs like wheelchairs, prosthetics, coaching fees, or travel to competitions rather than general living expenses.
- You can learn about CAF programs and funding opportunities through their website at challengedathletes.org, where they list current grant categories and important date.
- CAF also runs or partners with adaptive sports camps and training programs in different regions, which you can search by location and sport type.
- The foundation accepts nominations and referrals from coaches, teams, and other organizations, so you do not have to find them on your own.
How CAF Grants Work
CAF offers several types of grants, and the structure depends on what you need funding for. Individual athlete grants are the most common; these go directly to a person with a disability to help pay for equipment or training costs. The foundation also funds team grants, which go to adaptive sports organizations or schools to support multiple athletes at once. Some grants are sport-specific — for example, CAF has dedicated funding for wheelchair sports, amputee athletes, and blind or visually impaired athletes.
Grant amounts vary and are not fixed. CAF reviews each request based on the athlete's need, the cost of what they are funding, and available money in that grant category. The foundation prioritizes athletes who would not be able to compete or train without the funding. You do not pay back CAF grants — they are not loans.
The process process typically involves submitting information about yourself, your sport, what you need funding for, and how much it costs. Many grants also ask for a letter of support from a coach, trainer, or organization that knows your athletic goals. Timelines vary by grant type; some have rolling important date (meaning you can submit anytime), while others have specific process windows once or twice a year.
Finding CAF Programs in Your Sport and Region
CAF's website lists all active grant programs and their important date. You can search by sport (wheelchair racing, adaptive skiing, swimming, cycling, and others) or by the type of athlete (amputee, visually impaired, spinal cord injury, and so on). Each program page shows what costs are covered, the important date, and how to submit your information.
Beyond individual grants, CAF also runs or partners with adaptive sports camps and clinics in different parts of the country. These are training programs where athletes can work with coaches and meet other adaptive athletes. CAF's website has a searchable directory of these programs by state and sport. Some camps are free or low-cost because CAF funds them; others charge a fee but may offer CAF scholarships to cover the cost.
If you are not sure which program fits your situation, CAF's website includes contact information for their staff. You can reach out with questions about whether a specific grant or program is right for you, and they can point you toward the right option.
Who Can Learn About CAF Programs
CAF programs are open to athletes with physical disabilities of any age, from children to adults. You do not need to be a professional or elite athlete to be considered; CAF funds people at all levels, from beginners to Paralympians. The main requirement is that you have a physical disability and are training or competing in an adaptive sport.
Coaches, trainers, parents, and organizations can also reach out to CAF on behalf of an athlete. If you work with adaptive athletes and think someone would benefit from CAF funding, you can contact the foundation to learn about nominating them or referring them to a specific grant program. CAF also accepts referrals from rehabilitation centers, schools, and disability organizations.
What Costs CAF Typically Covers
CAF grants most often pay for equipment — wheelchairs, prosthetics, running blades, hand cycles, or sport-specific gear. The foundation also funds coaching and training fees, travel costs to competitions or training camps, and competition entry fees. Some grants cover registration for adaptive sports camps or clinics.
What CAF does not typically fund includes general living expenses, medical care unrelated to sports, or costs that insurance or other programs already cover. If you need help paying for something related to your sport, the best approach is to check the specific grant program's description on CAF's website to see whether that cost is listed as may be able to access.
How to Explore CAF Programs
Start by visiting the Challenged Athletes Foundation website at challengedathletes.org. From there, you can browse current grants by sport or athlete type, read the details of each program, and find process important date. Most grant pages include a link to the process form or instructions for how to submit your information.
If you are looking for a training program or camp rather than a grant, use the program directory on CAF's website to search by your state and sport. You can also call or email CAF directly if you have questions about which program might work for you or if you need help understanding the process process.
Many adaptive sports organizations, rehabilitation centers, and disability nonprofits also share information about CAF programs with the athletes and families they work with. If you are already connected to an adaptive sports team or coach, they may have information about CAF funding and can help you understand whether you are a good fit for a particular grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a certain age to learn about CAF programs?
No. CAF programs serve athletes of all ages, from children to adults. If you are a young athlete, a parent or coach can help you explore programs and submit information. If you are an adult, you can reach out to CAF directly.
What if I am new to adaptive sports and do not have a coach yet?
You can still explore CAF programs. Some grants and training camps are designed for athletes who are just starting out. CAF's website lists programs by experience level, and their staff can help you find options that match where you are in your athletic journey.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting information to CAF?
Timeline varies by grant program. Some grants review submissions on a rolling basis and respond within a few weeks; others have set review periods and may take longer. The program page for each grant should list the expected timeline.
Can I get funding from CAF more than once?
Yes. Athletes can receive multiple CAF grants over time, though each grant has its own rules about how often you can receive funding. Check the specific program details to see whether there are limits on how many times you can receive that particular grant.
What if I do not see my sport listed on CAF's website?
CAF funds many sports, but not every adaptive sport may have a dedicated grant program at all times. Contact CAF directly to ask whether they fund your sport or whether there are other programs that might help cover your costs.