Call for Applications: Empowerment and Veteran Grants 2027 (US)

The Hanger Foundation 2027 Grant Cycle provides one-year programmatic funding to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting individuals with physical challenges, including veterans. It offers two grants—Empowerment and Veteran Grants—with a focus on rehabilitation, limb loss support, and related services, while excluding seed funding, capital campaigns, and general capacity-building support.

Overview

The Hanger Foundation Grants 2027 support nonprofit organizations in the United States that improve the lives of individuals with physical challenges, disabilities, and trauma-related conditions.

The foundation’s mission is centered on promoting rehabilitation, mobility support, inclusion, and community reintegration, with a strong emphasis on individuals with limb loss or limb difference and veterans.

Core Mission and Focus Areas

The Hanger Foundation invests in programs that:

Improve quality of life for individuals with physical challenges
Support rehabilitation after illness, injury, or trauma
Promote inclusion through sports and social engagement
Strengthen community-based support systems
Encourage employee-driven philanthropy and community impact

Priority Populations

Individuals with limb loss or limb difference
People recovering from stroke, sports injuries, or trauma
Veterans with service-related injuries or disabilities

2027 Funding Opportunities

The grant cycle includes two main funding categories:

1. Empowerment Grant

Supports nonprofit programs that:

Assist individuals with physical challenges
Provide rehabilitation and support services
Promote independence and quality of life
Enable social participation and community engagement

2. Veteran Grant

Supports initiatives that:

Serve military veterans with physical injuries or disabilities
Provide rehabilitation and recovery support
Offer social, athletic, or reintegration programs
Strengthen veteran-focused community services

Funding Structure

Grant Duration

All grants are awarded for 1 year only
Focus is on short-term, measurable impact

Allowable Costs

Programmatic expenses directly tied to funded activities
Limited operational support

Operating Expense Cap

Up to 15% of total grant amount
Must be directly linked to the funded program

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Organizations delivering direct services aligned with the foundation’s mission

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Operate within the United States
Provide services to individuals with physical challenges or veterans
Demonstrate clear program impact and alignment with funding goals

Who is NOT Eligible?

The foundation does NOT fund:

Individuals
Endowments
Political organizations
Seed or pilot programs
Capital campaigns
General capacity-building initiatives

Funding Priorities

Applications are evaluated based on alignment with:

1. Mission Alignment

Direct service to individuals with physical disabilities
Strong relevance to rehabilitation or adaptive support

2. Program Impact

Clear, measurable outcomes
Demonstrated benefit to target populations

3. Community Engagement

Local or regional impact
Integration with community support systems

4. Focus on Inclusion

Programs promoting participation in sports or social activities
Accessibility and empowerment initiatives

Types of Supported Programs

The Hanger Foundation prioritizes programs such as:

Physical rehabilitation services
Adaptive sports programs
Community reintegration activities
Mental and social wellness initiatives
Veteran recovery and support services
Programs for individuals with limb loss or difference

Application Focus

Successful applications typically demonstrate:

Clear service delivery model
Defined beneficiary group
Measurable program outcomes
Strong alignment with physical disability support
Practical and well-structured budget

Key Restrictions

Funding cannot be used for launching new pilot programs
Capital investments (buildings, infrastructure) are not supported
General organizational overhead is limited and conditional
Grants must be tied to a specific program, not general operations

Why the Hanger Foundation Grants Matter

These grants play a critical role in:

Expanding access to rehabilitation services
Supporting veterans’ reintegration into society
Promoting adaptive sports and inclusion
Strengthening nonprofit service delivery systems
Improving long-term quality of life for individuals with physical challenges

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without a direct service program focus
Requesting funding for capital or infrastructure projects
Submitting proposals without measurable outcomes
Failing to clearly define beneficiary populations
Using funds for general organizational expansion
Ignoring the 15% operating expense rule

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly define the target population (e.g., veterans, limb loss community)
Emphasize measurable program outcomes
Align services directly with rehabilitation or inclusion
Show evidence of community impact
Keep budgets tightly linked to program delivery
Highlight sustainability of impact within the grant year

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Hanger Foundation Grant?

It is a U.S. nonprofit grant program supporting organizations that serve individuals with physical challenges and veterans.

2. Who can apply?

Only U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing direct services.

3. What are the main grant types?

The Empowerment Grant and the Veteran Grant.

4. What is the funding duration?

All grants are awarded for one year only.

5. Can funding be used for capital projects?

No, capital campaigns and infrastructure projects are not eligible.

6. Are startup or pilot programs funded?

No, seed funding and pilot programs are not supported.

7. What is the operating expense limit?

Up to 15% of the grant amount, only when tied to a specific program.

Conclusion

The Hanger Foundation 2027 Grant Cycle is a focused funding opportunity supporting nonprofits that directly serve individuals with physical challenges and veterans. By prioritizing rehabilitation, inclusion, and measurable program impact, the foundation strengthens community-based support systems and improves long-term quality of life for vulnerable populations across the United States.