The American Canoe Association (ACA), in partnership with L.L.Bean, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 ACA x L.L.Bean Club Fostered Community (CFC) Grants. This program supports paddling clubs and organizations across the country that are working to expand access, strengthen community, and grow participation in paddlesports.
This year’s recipients represent a wide range of programs. From youth development and adaptive paddling to veteran services and leadership training, of these programs provides meaningful opportunities for people to connect on the water.
2026 CFC Grant Recipients and Projects:
- Páah Áama Paddle Club — A Celebration of Indigenous California Canoe Carvers
- Team River Runner – Denver Chapter — Wounded & Disabled Veterans Learn to Kayak with TRR on the Colorado River
- True Patriot Outfitters — TPO Tier 2 Field Ops
- Open Waters Network, Inc. — Clearwater Paddlesports Leader Training Initiative
- Colorado Outrigger Canoe Club — She Paddles Denver: Girls & Women on the Water
- Lanikai Canoe Club — Lanikai Mentoring Program
- Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club — All Kids on the Water – Therapy Kids Project
- James River Women — Community Laps and Skills Clinics
- Sovereign Waters — A Community Pathway to Water Confidence
- ACA Safety and Rescue Instructor Alliance — International Drowning Prevention Day Clinic
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse — NYCHA Family Days
- Paddlesports Institute — Queer Affinity Instructor Certification Course
- Paddle Boston — Em(barco): Paddle the Mystic River
- Diversify Whitewater — PNW Progression: Columbia Gorge & Southern Willamette
- Cal Poly Adaptive Paddling Program — Central Coast Adaptive Paddling Community Expansion Initiative
- Collegiate Whitewater Fest — 11th Annual Collegiate Whitewater Fest
- Canoe Cruisers Association — Breaking Barriers: A BIPOC Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
Through this partnership, the ACA and L.L.Bean continue to invest in the people and programs that are making paddlesports more accessible and impactful. We celebrate this year’s recipients and look forward to the continued growth and connection these initiatives will inspire in their communities. To review previous grant reports, please click here.