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Kendall Gretsch Fund for Adaptive Athletes

Illinois Spina Bifida Association

Foundation Annual Grants for DisabledGrants for Youth Sports
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Funding Amount

Varies (38 awards totaling over $10,000 in 2022-23; partial matching grants available)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Kendall Gretsch Fund for Adaptive Athletes

Geographic Scope: Illinois residents only

Focus Areas: Promotes sports and adaptive athletics for children and adults with spina bifida

Eligible Activities:

  • Sports-related registration fees

  • Equipment expenses

  • Travel expenses for sporting events

  • Adaptive sports including wheelchair basketball, swimming, sled-hockey, taekwondo, para-triathlon, Nordic skiing, wheelchair tennis

    • Award Information:

  • In 2022-23, distributed 38 awards totaling over $10,000

  • Met all financial requests received

  • Also provides matching grants in partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) for adaptive equipment

  • Made $1,000 gift to YMCA in Champaign, IL to start wheelchair basketball team

    • Eligibility:

  • Illinois residents with spina bifida (children and adults)

  • Both elite and beginner athletes

    • Background:
    Established by six-time Paralympic medalist Kendall Gretsch of Downers Grove, Illinois. Kendall was born with spina bifida and competes in para-triathlon and Nordic skiing. She won two golds in women's biathlon sprint and cross-country long distance at 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games, gold in paratriathlon wheelchair event at 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and bronze, silver, and gold medals in biathlon events at Beijing 2022 Paralympics. She is the fifth American to claim gold medals at both summer and winter Paralympic Games.

    Contact:

  • Phone: (773) 444-0305

  • Email: info@i-sba.org

  • Website: i-sba.org/sportsfund

  • Applications sent to people on ISBA's mailing list

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    • Distribution: Fund applications are sent to Illinois residents on ISBA's mailing list living with spina bifida
    • To Apply: Contact ISBA to sign up for the free mailing list
    • Contact Information:
      • - Phone/Text: (773) 444-0305 - Email: info@i-sba.org - Website: i-sba.org/sportsfund
    • Required Information: Proof of spina bifida diagnosis may be required
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    disabledyouth-sports

    Categories

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