The Kyle Pease Foundation Grant Opportunities
The Kyle Pease Foundation provides annual and ongoing grant opportunities to continue our work and mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond. Our Annual Grants are in honor and remembrance of beloved KPF Family members who are no longer with us, but whose spirit and legacy live on through The Kyle Pease Foundation.
Questions? Please contact grants@kylepeasefoundation.org.
Annual Grant Opportunities
Our annual grant application helps streamline our process and provides all of our applicants the opportunity to receive one of the five grants listed below. Once an application has been submitted, our Grant Coordinator and Committee will collect and review all applications.
ANNUAL GRANTS ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to apply for The Jake Vinson Family Grant, The Luyce Caplan Broken Wheel Grant, Arthur M. Blank Kyle Pease Kids Grant, For The Love of Inclusion Grant, or The Bethany Rutledge Courage Grant if:
You have raced with us at a KPF-designated event in 2026
You can provide documentation and proof of your disability
You will only spend grant funds on equipment and/or services to help improve your quality of life
Only one applicant per household
Only one winner per grant opportunity
Previous winners of any of the above 5 grants cannot re-apply for the two cycles following their award
ANNUAL GRANTS APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications open June 15th, 2026
Applications close September 18th, 2026
Grantees selected in early November 2026
Grantees awarded at our Athlete and Volunteer Celebration in December 2026
THE JAKE VINSON FAMILY GRANT
In 2015, The Kyle Pease Family Foundation Grant was renamed The Jake Vinson Family Grant in memory of our very dear friend, Jake Vinson. Jake, who passed away in 2013 year, was the very first KPF Athlete and will forever be remembered as a young man who embodies the spirit of our organization.
The Jake Vinson Family Grant committee selects one recipient per year in support of individuals and families who are experiencing disability and are looking to enhance their quality of life through resources that may not be readily available or unattainable.
LUCYE CAPLAN BROKEN WHEEL AWARD
Lucye Caplan, a passionate supporter of The Kyle Pease Foundation championed and embodied the organization’s mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities through sports. Throughout her battle against cancer, Lucye found comfort and motivation through photos and videos as she witnessed KPF Athletes and Volunteers overcoming all odds to achieve their dreams beyond the finish line.
Throughout her life, Lucye, had a similar attitude of our KPF Athletes and Volunteers and truly lived the philosophy of “find a way.” After her losing her fight to cancer, in honor Lucye's memory, and to celebrate her incredible will and spirit, Jeff, Will, and Danny Caplan created an ongoing award and grant in support of The Kyle Pease Foundation and the very same athletes that Lucye was so proud to celebrate across all finish lines she witnessed.
ARTHUR M. BLANK KYLE PEASE KIDS GRANT
The Kyle Pease Kids Award is presented annually to a young athlete who embodies the spirit of inclusion and inspires others through their courage, joy, resilience, and unwavering belief that anything is possible.
This award recognizes a Kyle Pease Kids participant who demonstrates determination in the face of challenges, embraces opportunities with enthusiasm, and serves as a positive example to teammates, volunteers, and the broader community. Through their attitude, perseverance, and love of sport, this athlete reflects the mission of The Kyle Pease Foundation and reminds us that barriers can be overcome when we lead with courage and possibility.
FOR THE LOVE OF INCLUSION GRANT
This new opportunity has been made possible through the generous donors and participants of our For the Love of Inclusion Tennis and Pickleball Tournament. All proceeds from the event benefit The Kyle Pease Foundation and go to fueling this life-changing grant.
THE BETHANY RUTLEDGE COURAGE AWARD
In 2019, former KPF Volunteer and beloved supporter, Bethany Rutledge, was unexpectedly passed away and was taken from her family and loved ones. Her husband, John, wanted to find a way to carry her legacy for years to come and help those that she loved so much across The Kyle Pease Foundation community. Bethany’s desire to encourage others to be brave and courageous led her family to establish The Bethany Rutledge Courage Award.
John and Bethany were very active at KPF events, recruited their friends to race, and consistently shared the message of Inclusion for so many to witness on race day. John is a former KPF Board Member, and perennial volunteer, and was part of KPF Athlete, Justin “J-Dude” Knight’s IRONMAN Florida team 2015.
Ongoing Grant Opportunities
THE ATHLETE ASSISTANCE GRANT
In 2020 when the pandemic brought our world to a halt, The Kyle Pease Foundation sprung into action in support of any and all immediate needs of our In-Chair Athletes and their families.
Since then, The Athlete Assistance Grant has provided over $1,000 annually and is available to any KPF In-Chair Athlete who has participated in a KPF event. The purpose of this grant is to provide temporary financial assistance for groceries, rent relief and any other necessities for our In-Chair Athletes and their families.
Each application will be reviewed on an individual basis, and athletes are permitted to apply and receive this grant more than once.