Grants

Investing in Mission-Driven Partners

The Ability Experience stewards the dollars raised by Pi Kappa Phi chapters, alumni and friends by investing in mission-aligned organizations that serve people with disabilities, especially where Pi Kappa Phi members are actively and meaningfully involved. Our goal is simple: put resources where relationships already exist and where funding can expand access, inclusion and quality of life.

What We Fund

Depending on available resources, grants may support:

  • Accessibility or inclusion projects (ramps, adaptive recreation spaces, technology, sensory rooms, program upgrades).
  • Programmatic initiatives that create shared experiences between the men of Pi Kappa Phi and our friends with disabilities.
  • Adaptive equipment or participation scholarships that remove financial barriers.
  • Capacity-building efforts that strengthen long-term service partnerships with Pi Kappa Phi chapters.

How Grants Are Awarded

Eligible organizations submit an application outlining need, impact and chapter involvement. Applications are reviewed by The Ability Experience Grants Committee; funding recommendations are approved by our Board of Directors before awards are made. All recipients agree to basic reporting so we can celebrate impact and remain accountable to our donors. Questions? Contact us.

Grant Eligibility

Grantees who are considered organizations must be able to meet the following criteria:

  • Must be considered tax exempt by the IRS for all cash grants
  • Provide the most recent audited or certified, board approved financials
  • A list of Board of Directors
  • Cash grants for individuals must have a sponsoring organization or company
  • Program summary with intended outcomes
  • Follow up with a report of actual outcomes within 60 days
  • All organizations will be checked against the Office of Foreign Asset Control Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List
  • W9 form on file with The Ability Experience

The Ability Experience will not fund:

  • Private charities or foundations
  • Cash payments to individuals
  • Capital campaigns
  • Political causes or organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation
  • Organization that only raise funds for other organizations
  • Meals and events for Journey of Hope or Gear Up Florida teams

The Circle of Giving grant is an opportunity for your Pi Kappa Phi chapter to financially impact a local organization serving people with disabilities with whom your chapter visits regularly throughout the year.

To be eligible for a Circle of Giving grant, a chapter must fundraise at least $5,000 a year and have an active volunteer relationship with a local organization that serves people with disabilities.

Awarded to a selected number of organizations on each of our cycling routes. For an organization to be eligible, they must sponsor the Journey of Hope or Gear Up teams for a Friendship Visit* with their clients during the event.

Eligibility Criteria: Must have Friendship Visit with a team and be an organization that serves people with disabilities. Only eligible to receive once every three years.

Organizations are also able to be awarded with the grants below.

 

Memorial and Honorary Grants

These grants are awarded to Journey of Hope host organizations selected by a team vote at the end of the summer. The grants are awarded in honor of The Rogers Family, Todd Porterfield, and Jason Tirado. These grants are additive and typically will pay for program fees or special equipment. Learn more about our Memorial and Honorary Grants.

 

Mountain Khakis Adventure Grant

This grant is awarded to a Journey of Hope host organization and chosen by the team that wins a social media competition.

*An organization who receives a Memorial Grant or Mountain Khakis Adventure Grant is still eligible to receive a Cycling Grant within the proper timeline

Awarded to a camp that serves people with disabilities and sponsors a weekend or week-long construction event for members of Pi Kappa Phi. The grant is given to fund materials for accessible amenities for the Pi Kappa Phi members to construct during the event.

Eligibility Criteria: Must be a camp that serves people with disabilities, willing to host participants for lodging and meals, must have impactful projects for the team to complete, must provide a contractor/certified maintenance director to lead the team.

These grants are awarded to Journey of Hope host organizations selected by a team vote at the end of the summer. The grants are awarded in honor of The Rogers Family, Todd Porterfield, and Jason Tirado. These grants are additive and typically will pay for program fees or special equipment.