We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the most recent round of the KBF Active Fund, awarding over $333,000 in adaptive sports equipment.. With support from our partners at the Craig Hospital Foundation and Endless Highway, we are able to help people across the country get moving, get outside, and get involved in sport.

This round was open exclusively to first-time KBF equipment applicants! Thanks to this collective effort, 107 individuals received funding:

  • 89 Equipment Grants
  • 18 Try It First Grants, designed to help athletes explore equipment before committing to a full purchase.

For more than half of these athletes—over 50 people—this grant will provide their first-ever piece of adaptive sports equipment. That means 50+ new beginnings, new hobbies, new communities, and new opportunities for joy and independence.

 Equipment is heading out to athletes in dozens of states, but especially in:

  • California
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • North Carolina
  • Michigan
  • Colorado

From coastal water ski programs to mountain trails, golf courses, community recreation centers, and neighborhood parks, this equipment will support individuals in all kinds of environments and sporting interests.

Whether you’re an athlete, family member, coach, or supporter, this milestone is something the entire adaptive sports community can celebrate.

  • For new athletes, it means the freedom to start something they’ve always wanted to try or thought was out of reach.
  • For families, it brings new ways to spend time together outdoors and share experiences.
  • For supporters, it’s a reminder that every contribution creates real, immediate change.

Most importantly, it represents a step toward a future where everyone has access to movement and recreation in whatever form feels meaningful to them.

The best part of this work is seeing how it impacts real people. Here are a few heartfelt thank-you’s from this round’s recipients:

“Thank you so very much. I can’t wait to get out on the water and ski. I love the feeling of ‘being in the turn.’”

“Straight tears! I have been anxiously waiting. I have such big dreams. I told myself I’d be an Ironman, and I won’t let my accident take that away from me! I have made it my mission to use my accident to inspire and give hope to anyone facing hard times… I promise I will do great things!”

“Wow, this made my whole year! I am eternally grateful to have received funding… I’ve been out golfing all summer using community equipment, and I can’t wait to have my own VertaCat for comfort, confidence, and the freedom to play more courses.”

Whether you’re here as a supporter, athlete, enthusiast, or someone just learning about adaptive sports, we’re glad you’re part of this community. Thank you for celebrating this milestone with us, and for being part of a movement that’s expanding access, possibility, and joy across the country.

Here’s to more first rides, first turns, and first adventures ahead.

Living with an SCI and interested in getting your own adaptive sports equipment? Consider applying for one of our Scholarships to try a new sport, test out a piece of equipment, or build skills by attending camps, clinics, or other adaptive sports programs. Once you find the perfect fit, check out our Active Fund guidelines to prepare your paperwork for our Spring 2026 cycle! 

Questions about our grants? Feel free to reach out to us a [email protected]