ATHLETE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 GRANT: December 14, 2025

APPLY FOR A GRANT

Empowering Olympic and Paralympic athletes with the financial support needed to chase excellence, recover, and plan for life beyond the Games. 

APPLY FOR A GRANT

FUNDING THE NEXT LAP OF YOUR JOURNEY

The Next Lap Foundation is dedicated to helping Olympic and Paralympic athletes focus on what matters most: their performance, health, and future. 

Each year, we award a select group of athletes with direct, no-strings-attached grants designed to relieve financial pressure and open doors to continued success. 

Our grants can help cover training expenses, travel, equipment, medical costs, or daily living needs. We believe athletes know best where support is needed most.  

If you embody resilience, commitment, and the spirit of representing Team USA, we encourage you to apply. Your next lap starts here. 

Deadline to apply: December 14, 2025 at 11:59pm

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Paralympian Athlete The Next Lap Foundation

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Deadline to apply: December 14, 2025 at 11:59pm

Eligibility:

  • Be a US citizen competing in an Olympic or Paralympic sport.
  • Be actively training with the goal of representing the United States of America in the Olympics and/or Paralympics.
  • Not be an immediate family member or business associate of any board member, staff member, or major donor of The Next Lap Foundation.
  • Must be able to attend Space Unified event as an ambassador for the program. The 2026 date will be Wednesday, April 15.

Application Component and Requirements:

  • Current SafeSport Certification.
  • Personal statement: 500 – 1000 words describing your sport, journey, and challenges. Discuss how this financial support would impact your future.
  • Financial needs statement.
  • Athletic resume.
  • Letter of Support: Past or current coach, or NGB official confirming training commitment and character.
  • Statement of plans for post-athletic career.
  • Video introduction: no longer than 2 minutes, a personal message to help our review committee better understand the applicant’s story.  

Selection Timeline:

  • November 2025 – 2026 award application opens
  •  December 14, 2025 at 11:59pm – application closes
  •  December 19, 2025 – Grant recipients are notified
  •  February 1, 2026 – 2026 Award Year Begins
  •  April 15, 2026 – Grant recipients attend Space Unified event 2026
  •  April 15, 2026 – Award payments are dispersed

The foundation covers all travel and lodging costs for this event. Award winners are not obligated to use any funds to cover expenses for this gala. 

START THE APPLICATION
FOR THE ATHLETES

FAQ

Am I disqualified if I currently have an NIL or sponsorship deal?

No. We encourage all athletes to apply. We understand that many sponsorships may be related or used only for training / equipment and NIL deals may be time limited. Knowing this, we encourage all athletes who may need unrestricted funding to apply.  

What do I need to submit for the financial needs statement?

Please submit any documents or stories that you think would help our review committee better understand your needs and struggles. The Next Lap Foundation does not require you to submit a W2 or any tax documents.  

What should my video introduction look like?

All videos should be submitted in landscape (horizontal) format with no background noise or music playing. Cell phone or webcam footage is acceptable, please do not feel the need to hire a professional videographer.  

What does the application process look like?

You will submit a form with all the required components listed above. The application itself takes 5-10 minutes and does require multiple document uploads. Once completed you should receive a confirmation email. Each application is reviewed by our selection committee. We will notify grant recipients after the deadline for submission closes. If you are not selected to receive a grant this year, we hope you will apply next year.  

How are applicants chosen?

Our committee considers: Financial need, athletic merit and commitment, mission fit and storytelling capabilities, your letter of support and post career plans. Each application is individually reviewed for each of these points.  

What happens if I’m selected?

Selected athletes for 2026 will be notified by December 19th, 2025. Once selected, athletes and the foundation will enter a contract establishing the athlete as a grant recipient for 2026. Payments are made via ACH in April of 2026. 

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