VA Announces $16 Million in Grants to Expand Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans

April 15, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the availability of $16 million in new grants to support national, regional, and community-based organizations that provide adaptive sports programs for Veterans and service members with disabilities.

The Adaptive Sports Grant Program funds organizations that help Veterans build independence, improve well-being, and enhance quality of life through recreational and competitive activities. These programs include archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, hunting, fishing, and other activities designed to support rehabilitation through movement, teamwork, and outdoor engagement.

Since its creation, the program has awarded more than $160 million to expand access to adaptive sports nationwide.

"Adaptive sports can be life-changing for disabled Veterans, improving strength and facilitating healing while building resilience through competition, camaraderie and achievement," said VA Secretary Doug Collins. "These grants will create vital access to local adaptive sports programs to help Veterans stay active, engaged and connected with their communities and fellow Veterans."

Grant Application Details

Eligible organizations have until May 13, 2026, to apply for funding. Full eligibility criteria, program priorities, and application requirements are available at:

grants.gov/search-results-detail/360391

Additional information about the Adaptive Sports Grant Program and past awardees can be found at va.gov/adaptivesports, and updates are shared on social media at @Sports4Vets.

Broader VA Initiatives

According to the VA, the adaptive sports grants are part of a broader effort to expand services and improve outcomes for Veterans. Recent VA-reported accomplishments include:

- Enrolling more than 100,000 new Veterans in VA health care in 2026.

- Opening 34 new VA health care facilities since Jan. 20, 2025, expanding access nationwide.

- Reducing the backlog of Veterans awaiting benefits decisions by 67% since Jan. 20, 2025.

- Completing 82,083,918 direct care appointments in FY2025, a 4.1% increase from FY2024.

- Providing Veterans with over 2.3 million appointments outside normal operating hours to improve convenience and timeliness.

- Permanently housing 51,936 homeless Veterans in FY2025, the highest total in seven years.

The VA states that these efforts reflect ongoing work to strengthen health care access, streamline benefits delivery, and support Veterans' long-term stability and well-being.