KBF Awards Over $815,000 in Adaptive Sports Grants in 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Kelly Brush Foundation Awards $815,000 in Largest Active Fund Grant Year in Organization History

BURLINGTON, VT (November 23, 2021) – The Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) is thrilled to announce that it has been able to award  over $815,000 in Active Fund grants this year, directly supporting adaptive sports equipment for people with spinal cord injuries. This was the most funding ever awarded in a year in the organization’s 15 year history.

Even in a year of uncertainty and change, the KBF was able to host several virtual fundraisers, a COVID-safe fundraiser in California, and a return of their in-person Kelly Brush Ride. Thanks to the incredible support of sponsors, donors, and volunteers, the KBF was able to break both its Kelly Brush Ride and annual fundraising records, allowing more grant funding than ever before.

The KBF awarded $815,000 in grant funding to 255 people across 45 states, Peurto Rico, and Washington D.C. The grants included 55 road handcycles, 27 offroad handcycles, 10 monoskis, 21 basketball chairs, 33 all-terrain chairs, 8 rugby chairs, 13 tennis chairs, 55 “try-it-first” grants to help people get more experience with specific equipment, and other assorted equipment.

“We are so thankful to the incredible KBF family of donors and supporters, who have helped us make such a huge difference in these 255 lives this year,” said Executive Director Edie Perkins. “Seeing the stories of each and every applicant shows just how important adaptive sports can be to any person with a spinal cord injury, and we are deeply grateful to help make that a reality for so many people.”

The Active Fund consists of a spring and a fall grant cycle, with two opportunities per year for people to apply for adaptive sports equipment funding. The next opportunity to apply will be the Spring 2022 Active Fund grant cycle, which will open in January. Check the website for updates, information, and applications: kellybrushfoundation.org/theactivefund

Media Contact:
Bruce Downes, Kelly Brush Foundation, [email protected]

About Kelly Brush Foundation
The Kelly Brush Foundation is a dynamic and growing Burlington, Vermont-based non-profit inspiring and empowering people with spinal cord injuries to live active and engaged lives. The Kelly Brush Foundation was founded in 2006 by Kelly and her family after Kelly sustained a spinal cord injury while racing in an NCAA alpine ski race. To date the Kelly Brush Foundation has awarded over 1,300 adaptive sports equipment grants to people in 49 states.