For more than a decade, the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program has been transforming Veterans’ lives across the nation.

This year, VA continues its commitment by awarding up to $16 million in grant funding to eligible community organizations that provide adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation programs designed to benefit disabled Veterans and active duty service members. 

Application window opens

The program is accepting applications through Grants.gov until July 2, 2025, with funding decisions anticipated this fall.

These grants support a wide range of activities, from adaptive skiing and pickleball to kayaking and archery, along with vital equine-assisted therapy programs.

“For more than a decade, this grant program has funded partnerships that provide adaptive sports and equine therapy services to Veterans and service members with disabilities nationwide,” said Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Vanietta Armstrong. “The program continues to expand its impact by identifying underserved regions and supporting new service providers to address gaps in coverage, ensuring therapeutic services remain accessible to Veterans across the country.”

Supporting Veterans’ physical and mental well-being

The success of this long-standing initiative is evident in its recent impact. In fiscal year 2024, the program distributed approximately $16 million to 91 organizations across 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico. These funded programs reached over 15,500 Veterans and service members, demonstrating the enduring need for and effectiveness of these services.

Organizations interested in applying to the grant program must meet specific criteria, including being non-federal entities with demonstrated experience in managing large-scale adaptive sports or equine therapy initiatives.

This grant program stands as one of VA’s most successful community initiatives to support Veterans’ physical and mental well-being. Year after year, it continues to create opportunities for Veterans to rebuild strength, find community and discover new passions through adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation.

For more information on the grant application process and requirements, please visit the “Grant Program” section at VA Adaptive Sports and Arts.

Topics in this story

Adaptive SportsEquine therapy

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

6 Comments

  1. Cheyenne Linsday June 21, 2025 at 16:12

    I want to ask for an grant for creating a mindfulness writing group. Both in person and like a hybrid group. Online too.

  2. Dawn Dingeldein June 20, 2025 at 14:57

    A quick question, I work for a YMCA is Westlake OH and we work with the VA and provide lower cost memberships. Would our organization be able to receive a grant. We have exercise equipment that is adaptive to meet disability needs of individuals. For example we have a recumbent stepper machine, the seat can be moved away and a person using a wheel chair can use the piece of equipment

  3. Brad Baang June 19, 2025 at 14:04

    Application for an Individual Account set up or sign in is far from user friendly.

  4. Daniel Pulon June 19, 2025 at 11:45

    How can I apply to participate in these adaptive sports? Where are they located?

  5. Puga Jose June 19, 2025 at 10:42

    I am interested in fishing and other outdoor activities.

  6. Judy A Wilder June 18, 2025 at 23:36

    Css as n any female veteran qualify for pet therapy. If so. Info. Please

Comments are closed.

More Stories