Empowerment Grant Cycle 1 of 2026 | High Fives Foundation

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

High Fives Foundation Awards 123 Grants in Empowerment Fund Cycle 1, 2026
$500,500 Distributed to Support Athletes Recovering from Life-Changing Injuries

This cycle awarded 123 total grants, supporting athletes across North America with a total of $500,500 distributed. The cohort included 61 new athletes joining the High Fives community and 62 returning athletes continuing their recovery journey.

What is the Empowerment Fund?

The Empowerment Fund provides two grant cycles each year to individuals recovering from life-changing injuries. These grants help athletes pursue goals in outdoor adventure sports while also supporting recovery, independence, and long-term wellness.

Where the Funding Went

Adaptive Equipment led the way with 90 grants totaling $359,750, reinforcing its role as the foundation of return-to-sport access. Top-requested equipment included the Bowhead Reach, Bowhead RX, DynAccess Hydra sit-ski, ReActive Adaptations handcycles, and the Outrider USA Coyote 4WD.

These tools are more than equipment, they are access points back to movement, freedom, and the outdoors.

The Healing Network supported 30 grants totaling $78,550, with the most common services including physical therapy, personal training, massage therapy, and acupuncture. These services continue to play a critical role in strength-building and long-term recovery.

Additional support included:

Medical Equipment: 13 grants | $44,600
Living Expenses: 4 grants | $12,100
Programs: 2 grants | $5,500

Grants also extended into everyday life, funding home accessibility upgrades and vehicle modifications such as hand controls and kneel actuators, ensuring athletes can move through life with greater independence.