Exercise Grants

Apply June 1-30

 

 

 

Apply Now

Our Exercise Grant Application Process

We have a quarterly application schedule—so be sure to apply during the correct window for your planned activities:

Apply Dec 1 – 31 for activities paid January–March
Apply Mar 1 – 31 for activities paid April–June
Apply Jun 1 – 30 for activities paid July–September
Apply Sep 1 – 30 for activities paid October–December

Considerations (more details below):

  • You may apply once per calendar year.
  • You may apply for multiple activities or items. If you are applying for more than one activity or item, include as much detail as possible in your application. (Only one application is required.)
  • You may be awarded up to $750 per calendar year.
  • Grants must be paid directly to the service provider or vendor. We are unable to provide reimbursements for fees and costs already incurred.

Why is exercise important?

Research shows that regular physical activity, especially vigorous exercise, can improve lung function and quality of life for adolescents and adults with CF. But with the high cost of managing CF, fitness fees often take a back seat. Our grants help change that

BreatheStrong CF Exercise Grants

Exercise Grants

Anyone in the U.S. with CF

Exercise Grants are designed to help individuals with cystic fibrosis build and maintain a lifelong habit of physical activity. We provide funding for a wide range of fitness-related expenses, empowering recipients to move in ways that strengthen both body and lungs.

Grants may cover:

  • Gym or fitness center memberships
  • Yoga, dance, or swim lessons
  • Sports team registration fees and gear
  • Running, hiking, horseback riding
  • Exercise equipment for home use
  • Or any other activity that promotes regular physical fitness

Loretta Morris Memorial Grants

Preference to California residents with CF

The Loretta Morris Memorial Grant supports people with cystic fibrosis who want to stay active through swimming, horseback riding, dance, or golf. For other activities, please apply for an Exercise Grant.

The Loretta Morris Memorial Fund was established in 2010 by Barbara Morris Harison in memory of her sister, Loretta Morris, who was born on March 31, 1950 and passed away from CF at age 21. The fund honors Loretta’s spirit by helping others with CF enjoy the freedom and joy of physical activity.

Canadian Grants

Anyone in Canada with CF

Our Canadian Grants Program provides direct financial assistance to help people with cystic fibrosis living in Canada access recreational activities that support both lung health and emotional well-being.

Grants may cover:

  • Gym or fitness center memberships
  • Yoga, dance, or swim lessons
  • Sports team registration fees and gear
  • Running, hiking, horseback riding
  • Exercise equipment for home use
  • Or any other activity that promotes regular physical fitness

Application: What You Need to Know

Click on the tabs to learn more about our grants programs.

Due to limited quarterly funding, not all applications can be approved. ​

Only one grant will be awarded per recipient annually.

  • Exercise Grant applications are open to children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) living in the United States. 
  • Loretta Morris Memorial Grants are open to children and adults with CF who live in California and are seeking support for horseback riding, dance, or golf.
  • Canadian Grants are open to children and adults with CF living in Canada. 

    Each application is reviewed individually. Final decisions are based on available funds, alignment with our program goals, and the unique needs of each applicant. The items listed below are not an exhaustive list.

    Exercise Grants are designed to support ongoing physical activity. We strongly encourage applicants to choose recurring or consistent programs, such as:

    • Gym memberships
    • Sports teams or leagues
    • Fitness classes or activity-based lessons
    • School-sponsored sports clubs

    Tip: Take advantage of free trials before applying to ensure the activity is enjoyable, safe, and appropriate.

    Other Eligible Equipment

    • Exercise-related items like trampolines, trikes, bicycles, small pools, and weights
    • Safety and support gear related to the activity (e.g., helmets, uniforms, proper footwear) may be eligible and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

    Ineligible Expenses 

    • Planet Fitness memberships (due to strict payment policies)
    • Accessories such as water bottles, apparel, or decorative items
    • Pharmaceuticals, supplements, vitamins, gels, or over-the-counter products

    Submit an Application

    • Funding for approved grants will be paid directly to the designated activity provider or billing organization. Awards will not be paid directly to the grant recipient. Please be prepared to include a bill or invoice for services and/or additional supporting documentation required to render payment to the provider.
    • New applicant requests will not be considered until we have received the applicant’s medical provider form. The form is available HERE. Applicants may upload the clinician-completed form in the application.
    • We will only consider complete applications. If required information is missing, a letter of denial will be issued. If an applicant is denied, the individual may reapply for the same or different activity with a new and/or updated grant request.

    Application Review and Approval

    • Your grant decision will come to the email address provided in the application.
    • Please allow 4-5 weeks for your decision email.

    Grant Fulfillment

    • Following grant approval, a BreatheStrong CF grant coordinator will email you regarding details to process payment.
    • If we haven’t received the required information to fulfill the grant within 60 days of approval, your grant will be denied and you may apply again.

    Our online application has several sections. You can prepare by having all the necessary information ready.

    *Directions for language translation are on the first page of the application.

    Provide personal information.

    • If you are applying on behalf of your child with CF, please list your child’s name as the applicant.
    • Applicants under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian’s permission for HIPPA consent to communicate with CF care providers if needed.

    Commit to an activity or purchase.

    • Take a trial class or session if available
    • Make sure it fits your schedule
    • Gather all costs including equipment, uniforms, etc
    • If requesting home equipment ensure sufficient space and electrical supply

    Make your request clear.

    Have the following information ready:

    • Facility name and web link, if available
    • Contact name, phone and email address
    • Activity description, cost and duration
    • Invoice, if applicable
    • Web address of any online purchases that are applicable

    Share your story.

    Answer questions regarding the applicant’s current health status, goals related to the activity of choice, why this activity, and how a previous grant helped, if applicable.

    Verify your CF status with a medical provider form.

    • First time applicants are required to submit our medical provider verification form to their care team, and then upload the completed form to the application. Access the form HERE.
    • Returning applicants do not need to upload the form unless they have a new care team since their last application.

    Agree to the grant’s terms.

    Read through and initial each statement in this section to verify that you understand the responsibilities if you are awarded an application. See the tab Grant Recipient Expectations for details.

    Submit your application.

    When you’ve completed each step, click submit to finish the application process. Applications can be saved and returned to for completion at a later date (just remember your login and password!).

    The following are expected following the fulfillment of a grant:

    • Register and participate in BreatheStrong+ virtual program (required for applicants ages 12+).
    • Provide feedback as requested.
    • Provide a note of appreciation to BreatheStrong CF or the Loretta Morris Memorial Fund upon notification of grant approval. Please send to P.O. Box 2984, Tucker, GA, 30085 or email grants@breathestrongcf.org.
    • Provide a photo and/or video of the recipient participating in the activity they specified within the application. Photos and quotes are necessary for us to share information with prospective donors and sponsors whose funds make the program possible. Photos may also be emailed to grants@breathestrongcf.org.

    More vigorous exercise boosts life quality, lung health with CF

    Published by Cystic Fibrosis News Today

    This study overview demonstrates support for: “active lifestyle ‘regardless of age and disease severity’”

    Physical Activity Level and Perception of Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis

    Published by Respiratory Care Journal

    More patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are living longer, and lifestyle-related behavior is becoming increasingly important for improving morbidity and mortality.

    Obesity in Cystic Fibrosis

    Published by National Library of Medicine

    “The prevalence of obesity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is increasing and around one-third of adults with CF are now overweight or obese. The causes of excess weight gain in CF are likely multifactorial, including: adherence to the high-fat legacy diet, reduced exercise tolerance, therapeutic advances, and general population trends

    Frequently Asked Questions

    May I apply for more than one activity?
    Yes, as long as the total of ALL activities are relevant and cost $750 or less you may apply for multiple activities. Requests made that are over $750 will only be funded up to the $750 maximum.
    What are some examples of previously funded grant activities?
    The list is endless! Here are some examples:

    • Swimming lessons
    • Trampolines
    • Horseback riding lessons/leasing
    • Rock climbing lessons
    • Surfing lessons
    • Yoga classes
    • Dance/gymnastics classes
    • Martial arts classes
    • Water aerobics classes
    • Fitness classes
    • Gym membership
    • Home exercise equipment
    • Ski/snowboard pass
    • Sports camp
    • Triathlon training camp
    • Sports team/league fees
    May I apply for a grant to be reimbursed for an activity that has already been paid?
    No, requests for reimbursements do not qualify.
    I'm a returning applicant. What if I don't have a photo of myself doing my chosen activity?
    We prefer the photo to be of the activity the person is applying for. However, if one is unavailable you may submit a photo of yourself doing a different activity. Please do not send head shots, or non-active poses. All photos must be of ONLY the individual due to privacy issues.
    May I use my grant to register for a fundraising event for another organization?
    No. The only fundraising or participation events that are eligible are those that support BreatheStrong CF.
    May I apply for a grant to purchase a bike, treadmill or other equipment?
    Yes. Exercise and Canadian Grants may be used for home or outdoor fitness equipment.
    What should I do if I haven't received a decision on my grant?
    After six weeks, you may e-mail grants@BreatheStrongCF.org to inquire about the grant status. Include the applicant’s name and date of birth.

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