Our Impact

$178 Million Raised

105 Sports Supported

50 States

70 Countries

48,000 Grants Awarded

 

 

 

Since 1994, we have been committed to creating opportunities so individuals with physical challenges can live full, healthy and active lives.

 

 

 

THE NEED

 

Millions of individuals living with physical challenges do not have access to the critical adaptive sports equipment and programming needed to be active.

    21 MILLION

    people live with a physical disability in the USA

    50%

    of adults with a disability get no aerobic exercise

    38%

    higher obesity rate for children with disabilities

    *Sources:Disability Compendium,  CDC-Vital Signs , CDC-ObesityFacts

    COSTS OF EQUIPMENT

     

    Most insurance companies do not cover adaptive sports equipment and many individuals with physical challenges simply cannot afford it. Here are some examples of costs:

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    $30,000

    2 running prosthetics for a bilateral amputee

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    $15,000

    Single running prosthetic for a single amputee

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    $2,000-$6,000

    Custom sport wheelchair for sports like wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair rugby.

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    $3,500

    High performance racing wheelchair.

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    $2,000

    Training expenses for personal training, cross-fit, martial arts, and more.

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    $1,500

    Travel funds needed to attend an adaptive sports camp, clinic, or competition.

    FUND EQUIPMENT

     

    WHO WE SUPPORT

     

    We support individuals with physical challenges who want to get involved in sports and be active. Here are a few examples of common disabilities and causes we support:

    Cancer Survivors

    Visual-Impairment

    Spinal Cord Injuries

    Limb Loss & Differences

    Military & First Responders

    Cerebral Palsy

    2024 Grant Brochure

    WE SUPPORT ATHLETES AT EVERY LEVEL & ABILITY

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    Recreational & Youth

    29% of grants globally funded are for youth athletes under 18. We strive to reach challenged athletes at a young age to ensure they have access to a full, active life.

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    Development & Competitive

    We support athletes who strive to be more competitive by awarding grants for specialized adaptive sports training, competition and travel expenses.

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    Elite & Paralympian

    In an Olympic/Paralympic year, CAF will have supported 40%-50% of Team USA Athletes on their athletic journey.

    HOW WE SUPPORT

     

    Grants

    Over 48,000 individual grants were awarded to individuals with physical disabilities across 105 sports, all 50 states and 70 countries

     

    Camps & Clinics

    Every year we hold adaptive sports camps and clinics for various sports including Running & Mobility clinics with our partner Össur.

     

    Mentorship

    We put an emphasis on creating a community and mentorship so individuals with physical challenges can connect and learn from one another.

    Read 2023-2024 Annual Report
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    From 1 to 44,000 Grants

    In 1994, CAF’s inaugural year, one grant was given for an adaptive van to help Jim MacLaren regain his independence. Since then, CAF has awarded 48,000 individual grants to individuals with physical disabilities from around the world.

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    From 1 to 105 Sports

    In 1994, CAF funded one grant to a former triathlete. Today, CAF funds grants in 105 different sports including surfing, CrossFit, wheelchair basketball, and WCMX.

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    From Trailblazers to Mentors

    30 years ago, young athletes with physical disabilities lacked mentors and role models to show them what was possible. They had to become trailblazers. Now, those trailblazers have become mentors to the next generation.

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    From 3 to 200+

    In 1994, three challenged athletes participated in CAF’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Now, over 200 athletes and their families participate in the weekend of events.

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    From No Access to Cutting-Edge Tech

    In 1994 very few individuals had access to specialized adaptive sports equipment. Now, thanks to CAF’s partnership with Össur, Per4max, Box wheelchairs and more, thousands of individuals have access to the latest technology.

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    From 400 to over 4,000

    30 years ago, 471 athletes competed in the Paralympic games. In the 2020 Paralympic games in Tokyo, 4,403 athletes competed, and over half of Team USA was supported by CAF.

    Learn More

    View Financials 2023-2024 Annual Report