Finding funding for sports equipment — from bocce sets to basketballs — can significantly support Special Olympics programs and Unified sports in schools. Below are some of the most popular websites and organizations that offer grants or free/reduced-cost equipment for Special Olympics and inclusive sports initiatives in the United States:

• Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Program: Special Olympics’ UCS initiative (funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education) provides grants, equipment, training, and support to schools (Pre-K through high school) that promote inclusive sports and youth leadership. Schools in any state can partner with their local Special Olympics program to access these funding opportunities. (For example, Special Olympics New Jersey notes that “Play Unified” school partners are eligible for grants, trainings, equipment, and technical assistance sonj.org.)

• Good Sports (Equipment Grants): Good Sports is a national nonprofit that donates new sports gear to youth programs in high-need communities. Coaches or teachers can apply for an equipment grant on behalf of their school or team (501c3 status not required). If approved, Good Sports provides sports equipment (covering sports like bocce, basketball, soccer, and more) at minimal cost (a small admin fee ~10% of retail). “In need of new equipment? If you run a youth program… check out how to apply for a grant,” says Good Sports, which has outfitted programs across all 50 states goodsports.org.

• Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation – Sports Matter Grants: Through its Sports Matter initiative, the Dick’s Foundation offers funding to under-resourced youth sports organizations. In 2023, for example, it launched a 75for75 grant program awarding 75 grants of $75,000 each to youth sports programs nationwide stocktitan.net. These grants (often by invitation or special application) can help teams purchase equipment, uniforms, and other essentials. Coaches can join the Sports Matter community for updates on grant opportunities sportsmatter.org. (Dick’s also occasionally runs equipment donation programs, such as free sports kits for baseball/softball leagues in need.)

• Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF): CAF is a well-known charity that provides grants for adaptive sports equipment and training expenses to athletes with physical disabilities igniteadaptivesports.org. While not specific to Special Olympics, these grants can help disabled athletes obtain costly equipment (e.g. sport wheelchairs, prosthetics, handcycles) needed to participate in sports. Note: Grants are typically awarded annually (applications open in the fall, due by Nov, with awards in April) workoutandrecovery.com.

• Kelly Brush Foundation – The Active Fund: A foundation dedicated to individuals with spinal cord injuries, it offers grants to help purchase adaptive sports equipment. If a Special Olympics athlete (or unified partner) has a mobility impairment (e.g. uses a wheelchair) and needs specialized equipment like a mono-ski, racing chair, or handcycle, this grant could assist. The program usually has set application periods (e.g. opening each February) .

• Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) by Road Runner Sports: AHA focuses on getting adaptive bikes into the hands of children with disabilities. They provide handcycles and adaptive bicycles to kids 18 and under with permanent physical disabilities. Families or organizations can apply year-round for an adaptive bike grant (note: they do not provide cash, but the actual equipment). This can be a great resource if a young athlete in your program would benefit from a handcycle or similar adaptive bike.

• Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA) – Grants & Resources: Move United is a nationwide adaptive sports organization that compiles many resources for clubs and equipment funding. Their website’s resource hub lists current grant opportunities and scholarships for adaptive sports. Notably, Move United partners with The Hartford to offer an Adaptive Sports Equipment Grant (up to $5,000 value) for athletes with disabilities (often administered through local adaptive sports clubs). Checking Move United’s grants page can lead you to multiple funding programs, from youth wheelchair sports equipment to inclusive recreation grants. moveunitedsport.org

Each of these links/programs can help coaches, teachers, or Special Olympics organizers find funding or free gear for their athletes. Be sure to review each grant’s eligibility criteria and application deadlines. With a bit of research and outreach, you can secure the equipment needed to empower Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports teams across any state in the U.S.