VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Award Range
- up to $750,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-05-13
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-05-13. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 64.034
The VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: An applicant must qualify as a Non-Federal Government entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program, as defined in 38 C.F.R. 77.2, for persons with disabilities if those disabilities are the same as those of Veterans with disabilities, and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. 38 C.F.R. 77.2 defines a large-scale adaptive sports program as: (1) An adaptive sports program of a National Paralympic Committee (NPC) or of a National Governing Body (NGB) that is authorized to provide Paralympic sports programs in one or more States; (2) An adaptive sports program of a NGB that has been recognized by an external validating authority if the programs validated by that authority would meet the requirements of paragraph (3) of this definition if considered one program; and (3) An adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or in which the persons with disabilities who participate in the program reside in at least five different congressional districts. Applicant types on grants.gov: For profit organizations other than small businesses; Individuals; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Small businesses; Private institutions of higher education; State governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; County governments; Independent school districts; City or township governments.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Veteran programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the program page. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit once the next cycle opens; late applications are usually rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program |
| Funding Agency | Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
| CFDA Number | 64.034 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | $750,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-05-13 |
| Category | Veteran |
| Matching Required | No matching funds required |
| Application Link | Official program page |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Veteran grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program?
Details from the notice: An applicant must qualify as a Non-Federal Government entity with significant experience in managing a large-scale adaptive sports program, as defined in 38 C.F.R. 77.2, for persons with disabilities if those disabilities are the same as those of Veterans with disabilities, and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. 38 C.F.R. 77.2 defines a large-scale adaptive sports program as: (1) An adaptive sports program of a National Paralympic Committee (NPC) or of a National Governing Body (NGB) that is authorized to provide Paralympic sports programs in one or more States; (2) An adaptive sports program of a NGB that has been recognized by an external validating authority if the programs validated by that authority would meet the requirements of paragraph (3) of this definition if considered one program; and (3) An adaptive sports program in which at least 50 persons with disabilities participate or in which the persons with disabilities who participate in the program reside in at least five different congressional districts. Applicant types on grants.gov: For profit organizations other than small businesses; Individuals; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Small businesses; Private institutions of higher education; State governments; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; County governments; Independent school districts; City or township governments. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-05-13; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program require matching funds?
No matching funds required. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.