The Cordani Family Grant Program

Achilles International is committed to breaking down barriers to the start line for athletes with disabilities. For many of our athletes, entry costs and organizational challenges can be as daunting as the races themselves. Thanks to the generosity of The Cordani Family Grant Program, Achilles is pleased to provide funding for athletes and athlete-guide teams to help cover race related expenses.

David Cordani, Chairman and CEO, The Cigna Group, and seasoned marathon runner and triathlete, has shared a cherished bond with the military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team since 2009. His efforts have supported the team on their racing journeys, acting as a guide in several marathons and even getting his children involved as guides for 5K and 10K races. The transformative impact he has made on the Achilles Freedom Team inspired this effort to fund even more start lines.

Applications are now open through April 1, 2025. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April. A second application period will open later in the year for additional 2026 races.

Types of Grants

Travel Race Grants for participation in a select Achilles race:

• Up to $1,000 for an athlete

• Up to $1,500 for an athlete-guide combination

Barrier Breaking Grants for an iconic, once in a lifetime, race adventure:

• One grant of up to $4,000 grant for an athlete

• One grant of up to $6,000 grant for an athlete-guide combination

Grants can only be used for race registration fees, hotels and race related travel expenses. 

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

To be eligible, athletes must be an active member of their chapter or Achilles Team USA. 

Selection will be based on a number of criteria including: Achilles workout attendance, financial need, training commitment, a personal letter of recommendation and input from your local Achilles Chapter Lead.

All grant applications, including for athlete-guide teams, should be completed and submitted by an Achilles athlete.

These grants are open to U.S. civilian athletes with disabilities. Are you a member of the U.S. military living with a disability? Learn more about opportunities with the Achilles Freedom Team.

Other Important Details

Prioritized support will be given for the races on the Cordani Family Grant Program application form. 

Applying for this grant does not guarantee selection, and receiving a grant does not guarantee entry into a specific race. Applicants must secure their own race entry through the race organizer.

If awarded a grant, athletes will be asked to provide detailed receipts. Funds will not be directly transferred to athletes, Achilles Chapter Leads will receive and distribute the funds accordingly.

How To Apply

Complete the application in Rosterfy here. You will be asked to include details about which start lines you’re interested in and what participating in this race would mean to you.

If you have any questions or need assistance filling out this form, please contact Elisheva Jasie at ejasie@achillesinternational.org.

The Cordani Family Grant Program is administered by Achilles International and is subject to the availability of funds. Grants are awarded based on eligibility criteria, including but not limited to training commitment, workout attendance, financial need and input from chapter leaders. Applying for a grant does not guarantee selection, and receiving a grant does not guarantee entry into any specific race.

Funds awarded through this program are intended to assist with race-related expenses, including but not limited to registration fees, travel, and lodging. Grant recipients must provide receipts for reimbursement or payment processing as required. Grant funds will be distributed through Chapter Leads and will not be transferred directly to individual recipients.

Athletes are eligible for only one grant per calendar year, and priority may be given to applicants who did not receive a grant in the previous year. 

Achilles International reserves the right to modify or terminate the grant program at any time without prior notice. By applying for and accepting a grant, recipients agree to comply with all terms and conditions set forth by Achilles International.