Empowerment Grant

The Hanger Foundation’s Empowerment Grant is a private funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations across the United States that serve individuals with physical challenges. The Foundation’s mission is centered on improving quality of life and enabling individuals with physical disabilities to live as fully and independently as possible. Through its Empowerment Grant program, the Foundation continues its long-standing commitment to investing in programs that directly impact individuals facing mobility limitations due to injury, illness, or limb difference. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s broader goals of strengthening communities and supporting inclusive, impactful services. The primary purpose of the Empowerment Grant is to fund programs that provide meaningful, direct support to individuals with physical challenges. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that offer rehabilitation services and support for conditions resulting from trauma or illness, such as stroke, sports injuries, or combat-related injuries. In addition, the program places strong emphasis on activities that promote engagement, inclusion, and physical activity, including adaptive athletic programs, social events, and community-based programming. Particular attention is given to initiatives serving individuals with limb loss or limb difference, as well as veterans. Funding through this grant is intended for programmatic activities that align closely with the Foundation’s focus areas. While limited operational expenses may be included, they cannot exceed 15 percent of the total grant amount and must be directly tied to the funded project. The Foundation does not support certain types of funding requests, including seed or pilot programs, organizational capacity-building efforts, or capital campaigns. Furthermore, grants are not awarded to individuals, political organizations, or for endowment purposes. All awards under this program are structured as one-year grants, reinforcing a focus on clearly defined, short-term program outcomes. Eligibility for the Empowerment Grant is restricted to nonprofit organizations that have obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operate within the United States. Applicants must demonstrate that their programs directly benefit individuals with physical challenges and align with the Foundation’s stated priorities. Organizations are required to submit documentation verifying their nonprofit status and operational capacity, including IRS Form 990, a current board list with affiliations, and summaries of leadership qualifications. Additionally, applicants must provide statements describing how their organization reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. The application process requires completion of the Foundation’s formal grant application and submission of several supporting documents. Required materials include organizational budgets for the current and upcoming fiscal years, as well as project-specific budgets when applicable. Applicants must also provide detailed narratives outlining program impact and organizational qualifications. All submissions are evaluated based on alignment with the Foundation’s mission, the strength of the proposed program, and the organization’s ability to effectively serve individuals with physical challenges. The 2027 Empowerment Grant cycle includes a firm application deadline of June 12, 2026. While the opening date is not specified, the structured annual cycle indicates that this is a recurring funding opportunity. The Foundation does not specify exact award notification dates within the available information, but all funded programs are expected to operate within a one-year performance period. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to ensure full compliance with all requirements and to clearly demonstrate how their proposed programs empower individuals with physical challenges.

Demonstrate clear alignment with empowering individuals with physical challenges and provide strong evidence of direct program impact