Christa and Saul Welger Foundation

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GRANTS

CHRISTA AND SAUL WELGER FOUNDATION SEMI-ANNUAL GRANT PROGRAM

The Welger Foundation was established as a tribute to two tenacious athletes – Christa and Saul Welger – and their almost thirty years of remarkable contributions to the early days of disabled athletics. Our mission is to provide support and opportunities to physically impaired youth to encourage participation in and reduce barriers to competing in team sports.

Inspired by the lives and contributions of Christa and Saul to the adaptive sport community, the Foundation’s grant program goal is to help and support young disabled athletes reach their highest potential—in sport and in life.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

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

  • Travel expenses (transportation, flights and lodging for an event)
  • Training/Competition expenses (entry fees, participating on a team, attending a training camp)

2024 GRANT APPLICATION TIMELINE

Spring 2024
April 1, 2024: Spring Grant application opens
June 1, 2024: Spring Grant Application closes
July 1  2024: Spring Award notifications sent out

Fall 2024
September 1, 2024: Fall Grant application opens
November 1, 2024: Fall Grant Application closes
December 1, 2024: Fall Award notifications sent out

SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATION

ELIGIBILITY/PREREQUISITES

Applicants must:

  • Have a permanent 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, and 
    • Chronic pain, hearing impairments, cognitive and developmental disabilities do not qualify for support through The Welger Foundation grant programs. 
  • Live in the Mid-Atlantic regional area. This includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
  • Up to 18 years of age.
  • Have a physical disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act: “Disability – The term ‘disability’ means with respect to an individual: (a) a physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such an impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment.”
  • Describe/Demonstrate in writing the 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.

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

FAQ's

Steps you’ll take to fill out and submit a 2024 application:

  1. Complete the Online Application (https://forms.gle/TP2CKfqvQAcPgSq46)
  2. Submit the supporting documentation to grants@welgerfoundation.org

Applicants are required to provide multiple files/documentation with their application in order for the grant request to be considered. Applicants will need to provide: 

  • Medical verification of disability: Applicants will be required to provide a medical document that verifies their disability
  • Two high-quality photos of the applicant, preferably playing their sport
  • Financial documentation to show proof of annual income
    • 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.
  • A Letter of Recommendation from a mentor, coach, teammate, friend, etc.

Our goal is to provide eligible applicants with grant support. As a nonprofit organization, we have a budget we must adhere to, and so we prioritize applications based on financial need. Additionally, applications that are incomplete, missing documentation, or lacking effort or detail may not be considered for a grant.   We encourage applicants to fill out their application as thoughtfully and thoroughly as possible. Ensure that you know exactly what you are applying for and research any equipment or expenses before choosing your grant category.

A Travel and Training/Competition 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:

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

The purpose of the grant is to remove 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 for personal vehicle 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 your receipts to show how funds were spent.