Grants for adaptive sports equipment: a guide for clubs

Would your sports club like to make skiing, outdoor trips and training accessible to more people? Grants and local support can help fund adaptive sports equipment, including shared sit-skis and wheeled sleds. Here are practical starting points for clubs outside Norway, with ideas for planning an activity programme around Spike and Spike Snow.

You do not necessarily need a separate para-sports group to start. A shared equipment pool, perhaps organised with neighbouring clubs, can give more people a chance to try an activity. Begin with the people you want to include and the sessions you can organise, then explore equipment and funding together.

How two Norwegian clubs introduced Spike

In 2026, Byåsen IL Para-langrenn in Trondheim, Norway, bought a wheeled Spike for its activity programme. The club already offers para cross-country skiing. A wheeled sled gives it another way to plan activity outside the snow season and build on its existing programme.

Spike handed over to Byåsen IL Para-langrenn in 2026.

Hol IL also took steps to make skiing more accessible: the club began seeking support for Spike in 2022 and bought a Spike Snow in 2023. These are examples of equipment projects, not evidence that a particular grant was awarded. Each club needs to find funding that fits its own country and circumstances.

Where can clubs find funding for adaptive sports equipment?

There is no single international scheme. Check the country, eligible applicants, equipment rules and application period before investing time in a bid. The following official sources offer useful starting points.

England: Sport England Movement Fund

The Movement Fund supports activity projects that reduce inequalities in access to sport, with funding from £300 to £15,000. There is no fixed deadline, but apply at least 12 weeks before activity starts or money needs to be spent. Check who can apply: eligible not-for-profit sports clubs can apply, rather than individuals.

Project costs can include equipment, but personal equipment and costs already incurred or committed are excluded. Explain the activity that shared equipment will enable, rather than submitting only a shopping list.

France: Handisport and Agence nationale du Sport

Consult Handisport’s financial support guidance and your local handisport committee about equipment for regular activity. The 2026 ANS parasport equipment round closed on 30 June 2026 and required a minimum grant request of €10,000. It is not an open grant for buying one item. Ask about the next applicable call and whether an application is required before signing an order.

United States: Move United member organisation grants

Move United lists funding opportunities for member organisations. Membership and the criteria of each call matter. An equipment grant listed on the site may already be closed, so check the current application period before counting on it in a budget.

Local funding and sponsors

Ask local authorities, sports federations, community foundations and businesses about support for inclusive activity. A clear project makes it easier to explain what a contribution will achieve. Confirm whether the funder accepts shared equipment, your organisation and the proposed purchase.

Could neighbouring clubs share the equipment?

A shared pool could support regular training, introductory sessions, activity days or supervised loans. Cooperation can spread the costs and help more people access the equipment. Agree ownership, booking, transport, fitting, instruction, maintenance and storage before starting. Include this practical plan in the funding application.

Spike and Spike Snow for year-round club activities

Spike Snow is the snow version for cross-country skiing, with seated and kneeling configurations and a children’s model. Choose the model and setup around the intended participants and activity, with individual fitting and instruction.

Spike Snow for winter activity in a ski trail.

The wheeled Spike is designed for snow-free activity, including trips and training on suitable paved roads, gravel routes and trails. Terrain, configuration and support needs must be assessed together. A club planning year-round activity can discuss both the wheeled and snow options with SmartGroup.

Spike in use on snow-free terrain.

Other setups may also be relevant. The skating configuration in the cover photograph is an option to discuss for the intended activity; do not assume the pictured accessories are included in a standard package.

How to prepare an equipment funding application

1. Explain who will take part and what they need

Who would you like to include? Explain whether you are starting an activity or expanding an existing programme. Use realistic participation estimates and describe the barriers the equipment would help address.

2. Plan how the equipment will be used

Set out the sessions, shared access or loans you can organise. Include neighbouring clubs where relevant, together with the people responsible for fitting, instruction and maintenance.

3. Get an itemised equipment quote

A quote for the model, quantity and accessories helps establish the budget. Include delivery and any applicable import costs. Separate the club’s contribution, other funding and the amount requested.

4. Match the project to the funding rules

Check deadlines, ownership, match funding and reporting. Confirm whether you must apply before ordering: some schemes exclude committed expenditure. None of the links here confirms automatic eligibility for Spike. Club equipment grants and individual assistive equipment support also have different rules.

Get a Spike quote for your funding application

You do not need to have funding agreed before contacting us. SmartGroup can help assess the model and prepare a quote, product description and technical information for your application.

Choose equipment and start your enquiry in Spike Builder. You can also request a Spike quote for your funding application or email post@smartgroup.no.

Find model-specific documentation in Spike support and manuals. For a Norwegian club, see our separate guide to funding para-sports equipment in Norway, written in Norwegian.

Updated November 2026. Check current terms with each funder. SmartGroup provides equipment information and quotes, but cannot guarantee a grant award.