Find out more about the DSUSA Chapter Network and how to become a part of it!
What is a DSUSA Chapter?
A Disabled Sports USA Chapter Network is made up of organizations that provide local, regional, and/or national sports programming to athletes with disabilities.
As affiliate programs of Disabled Sports USA, these organizations have access to a variety of direct and ancillary benefits, that enhance your programs and foster the continued growth of adaptive sports programming nation-wide.
Chapter Benefits
- Grant Program
Eligibility for grant programs (Over $1,000,000 distributed annually, over each of the last 2 years) - Insurance Program
Access to affordable group Commercial General Liability insurance, Directors & Officers, and Employment Practices Liability insurance for qualifying organizations - Training & Education
Reduced cost or free training and education opportunities, sport training and webinars through the Adapt2Achieve program - Partnerships
Join a national network of more than 120 chapters, big and small. Opportunities for partnership projects with sponsors, Disabled Sports USA National Headquarters, and its chapter network - Chapter Toolkit (Updates Pending)
Access to online resources and tools - Marketing & Promotions
- Submit articles and announcements about your activities in Disabled Sports USA’s national publication, Challenge magazine (circulation over 32,000) including free subscriptions for your members
- Promote your programs, events and employment opportunities through DSUSA website and social media (20,000 unique website visitors each month)
- Permission to use Disabled Sports USA’s registered service mark tagline: If I can do this, I can do anything!
Chapter Responsibilities
All certified chapters of Disabled Sports USA are responsible for the following in order to maintain its chapter certification.
Organizational Requirements
- Chapter Dues
$250 a year - State of Incorporation Registration
Each chapter must be incorporated as a corporation and maintain current registration as a charity in their state of incorporation and the state where their business headquarters is located, if they are not the same
- 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status
All chapters must maintain 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status in order to be a chapter in good standing
Insurance Requirements
- Proof of Insurance
Proof of Insurance: All chapters must carry Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence limit and $2,000,000 aggregate limit and provide a certificate naming Disabled Sports USA as additionally insured. Insurance can be obtained independently or through participation in Disabled Sports USA’s Group insurance program
Financial Requirements
- Annual IRS Filing
File annual returns with the IRS and provide a current copy of Form 990, 990‐EZ or 990‐N to Disabled Sports USA to demonstrate compliance (should be submitted within 30‐days of the IRS filing)
Marketing & Communications
- Chapter Contact Updates
Make DSUSA aware of any changes in leadership contacts - DSUSA Logo Compliance
Chapters must display the Disabled Sports USA “chapter of” logo, pursuant to the Logo Style Guide and may not be altered
Applicant Requirements
Disabled Sports Chapter Applicants must meet the following basic criteria:
- Reflect the mission of DSUSA
“To provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.” - Independent 501c3 / Non-Profit Organization
Provide IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and proof of registration as a charity in state of operation - Offer direct sports programming to athletes with permanent disabilities
Must have conducted programming for minimum of 12 months for a minimum of 20 unique participants prior to chapter application, and have an active online presence (i.e. website required, social media optional) - Demonstrate that programming is offered in safe and accessible environment
Provide information related to athlete protection protocols; training, screening, and qualifications of instructors/coaches/volunteers - Demonstrate sound financial guidelines
Provide most current 990, 990-EZ or 990-N - Demonstrate competent governance
Provide list of board members, personal & organizational reference letters - Carry Commercial General Liability Insurance
Provide proof of CGL with minimum limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence limit and $2,000,000 aggregate limit, and 5 year Loss Run Reports for all policies held
How to Apply
- Complete online application
Please carefully review the list of Applicant Requirements above before beginning the online application. Applicants have 30 days from the date of the primary submission to complete the application and deliver any requested materials not included in the online submission. If the application remains incomplete after that time, it will no longer be considered. - Application cycles
DSUSA accepts applications for chapter twice a year
December 1 – February 28 | May 1 – June 30

Kyleen Davis | Chapter Services Manager | 240-268-0237 | kdavis@dsusa.org