Adaptive sports equipment will help maintain and improve your physical and mental health.
Nevertheless, financing adaptive sports equipment can be tough.
By exploring new markets, Exero has come across tips on how to fund assistive technology and adaptive equipment in the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and other European countries.
In the following article we will provide you with 5 steps to fund your next adaptive sports equipment.
Step #1: Use keywords to search the web for adaptive sports equipment funding and grants
As soon as you find an adaptive sports equipment you would like to buy, start searching the web with the collection of keywords such as “adaptive sports equipment”, “assistive technology”, “funding”, “grants”. You might also want to include the name of the product as some funds and grants are product specific.
Searching the web with these keywords should generate multiple websites with information and lists of funding and grants for adaptive sports equipment, such as this one.
Make a list of all the available grant applications you found in your web search and start to eliminate the options that are not applicable to you. This is explained in Step #2 👇
Step #2: Determine which funds and grants are applicable to you
Every application will have different criteria that limit the eligibility of the applicant. These limitations can be age, disability, geography, military background and type of adaptive sports equipment among other things. If you do not fulfill all the criteria of the application, remove it from your list.
Funding and grant applications may also have application deadlines or certain months of the year they can be sent in. If any of the applications in your list have expired, remove them from your list.
This process of application removal from your list will save you a lot of time and you can spend your efforts on applications where you have a real chance.
Be specific and go into details so that you are not missing any important information that could be decisive for the outcome of your application.
Be aware that many grants do not allow you to provide information at a later stage so all information must be sent in together. Grant applications that are not complete, lack details or do not convey a clear need may not be considered for approval.
Is this the first time you are applying for a specific grant? Do not panic - first time applicants will often be prioritized in the application process.
Step #3: Start designing your application
Once you have narrowed your list down to applications where you fit the criteria you can start filling out the applications. Some applications have a certain form that you are filling out by answering the questions, and others are more open for you to formulate.
You are often asked to give a personal statement about yourself, what you are hoping to achieve with the grant and how important the grant would be for your participation, progress, health improvements or other reasons. Describe your goals and how this could be more achievable if you were the lucky one to receive the grant.
Step #4: Find out what type of documentation is required for the grant application
Some funding options require a letter of recommendation, medical documentation of disability and/or Proof of Income.
The letter of recommendation can often be from a medical or health professional, professor or teacher, couch or someone in your support network who can comment on how you would benefit from the grant.
Medical documentation may be required if the grant is meant for people with a physical disability.
Lastly, a Proof of Income may be required to show that your income is within the eligibility limit and that you are qualified for the grant.
Step #5: Prepare a budget
In some cases you are asked to provide a budget that outlines all costs in detail. This means that you should elaborate on the cost of the adaptive sports equipment you are planning to purchase and also include the deductible if the grant is not covering the full price of the equipment.
As you can see there are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a grant. However, it can be really useful and save you a lot of time by following these 5 steps.
Bonus: Overview of Grants and Funding Options in Different Countries
