Christa and Saul Welger Foundation

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GRANTS

WELGER FOUNDATION ANNUAL GRANT PROGRAM

Motivated by the impact and achievements of Christa and Saul Welger within the adaptive sports community, the Foundation’s grant program aims to assist and empower young athletes with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential—both in sports and in life.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Applicants can apply for funds up to $1,500 in the following categories:

  • Travel expenses (transportation, flights, and accommodation for a coordinated event, tournament, camp, or similar activity)
  • Training expenses (fees for entering competitions, being part of a team, participating in a sports clinic or similar)

2026 GRANT APPLICATION TIMELINE

  • Feb 1, 2026: Application process – NOW OPEN
  • Feb 28, 2026: Application process Closes
  • April, 2026: Grant notifications communicated
APPLY NOW

ELIGIBILITY/PREREQUISITES

Applicants must:

  • Be between 6-18 years of age.
  • Live in the Mid-Atlantic regional area. This includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Demonstrate in writing how the grant support requested will improve the individual’s ability to participate in or reduce barriers to competing in team sports.
  • Have a physical disability that permanently impairs the mobility of the individual, affects the neuromuscular system, and/or impairs balance or motor control. 
    • The Welger Foundation uses the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classification standards as a guideline for our grant eligibility. An individual must have a permanent physical disability that can be classified within the IPC guidelines.
    • Chronic pain, hearing impairments, cognitive and developmental disabilities do not qualify for support through The Welger Foundation grant programs.

Reach out to grants@welgerfoundation.org for other questions.

APPLY NOW

FAQ's

Please ensure that you complete BOTH of the following steps to submit your full application:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application (Application process open Feb 1 – Feb 28, 2026)
Step 2: MUST submit the required documentation to grants@welgerfoundation.org

    1. Medical verification of disability: Applicants will be required to provide a medical document that verifies their disability
    2. Two high-quality photos of the applicant, preferably playing their sport
    3. Financial documentation to show proof of annual income from parent/guardian
      • The Welger Foundation awards grants based on financial need. We require financial documentation to verify the financial need. Documents must be dated within the last year, and can include a W2, government assistance letter, bank account statements, etc. Please redact all sensitive personal information before you upload.
    4. A Letter of Recommendation from a mentor, coach, teammate, friend, etc.

Our objective is to offer grant assistance to qualified applicants. We urge applicants to complete their applications with care and detail. Be sure to specify the estimated costs associated with your request. As a nonprofit entity, we operate within a budgetary framework. Consequently, we give preference to applications that include all necessary documentation and illustrate financial need. Applications that are incomplete, lack required documents, or are insufficiently detailed may not be eligible for grant consideration.

A Travel and Training Expense Grant aims to cover any expenses associated with an athlete’s training and/or competitions – max request $1,500. If awarded this grant, The Welger Foundation will send you monetary funding that can be used for any of the following sports-related expenses:

  • Travel Expenses – Travel related expenses can include transportation (fuel, rental car, flight, ride share, etc.), accommodations (hotel costs), and food during the activity.
    • If the athlete is under 18 or requires a guide, funds can be used towards expenses for one parent/guardian or guide.
  • Training Expenses – These expenses may include entry fees to competitions, fees for team memberships, adaptive sports clinics, training camp, etc.

The purpose of the grant is to reduce financial barriers that prohibit the athlete from playing their sport. Grants cannot be utilized for the below:

  • Travel expenses for coaches or additional family members
  • Fuel expenses outside of competition travel
  • Lodging expenses for any additional/extended travel outside of competition dates
  • Medical or similar services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, etc.
  • Sports and Non-sport equipment
  • Uniforms or articles of clothing
  • Technology with a fitness component (Smart watches, fitness trackers, etc.)

Yes. You will be required to provide receipts to show how funds were utilized.