Special Olympics Minnesota and 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Announce Grant Recipients for 26 Weeks of Giving Campaign

Thirty local organizations will receive grants totaling $265,750 for their work to advance inclusion across Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN), in partnership with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games (2026 USA Games) and presenting sponsor Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, today announced the 30 organizations selected as grant recipients through its statewide 26 Weeks of Giving campaign. As Minnesota prepares to host the 2026 USA Games in June, these grants, ranging from $500 to $20,000, will directly support community-driven efforts that build momentum toward the Games and help ensure a lasting legacy of inclusion across the state.

"The organizations honored through the 26 Weeks of Giving campaign represent everything the 2026 USA Games stand for,” said Christy Sovereign, CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. "They are advancing inclusion every day across Minnesota, and their work reflects the values we'll bring to a national stage in June while showcasing the power of sport and connection to leave our communities forever changed.”

Funded through the generosity of the Kathleen F. and David W. MacLennan Foundation, these grants will strengthen initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and inspire broader cultural change.

“Special Olympics Minnesota does an amazing job of working to create communities where everyone thrives,” said Dave MacLennan. “They have played an important role in our family’s lives, and we’re honored to see this gift celebrate and support so many organizations fostering inclusion and supporting so many people across the state of Minnesota.”

The following organizations represent a sampling of the diverse nonprofits receiving grants through the 26 Weeks of Giving campaign:

• Unlabeled Theatre Company: An inclusive, Twin Cities-based theatre company that brings together artists with and without disabilities through a unified performance model, providing opportunities to build artistic skills, confidence and community while amplifying diverse voices on stage.
• A Great Day Farm: A nonprofit providing free recreation and community-building opportunities for people with disabilities, welcoming more than 2,000 visitors each year into an inclusive, nature-based environment that promotes connection, accessibility and belonging.
• Brainerd Lakes Fishing Has No Boundaries: A chapter of Fishing Has No Boundaries dedicated to improving access to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities, creating inclusive opportunities for individuals and families to experience Minnesota’s natural resources.
• LIFE Mower County: A nonprofit focused on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, resources and inclusive community engagement in southeastern Minnesota.
• University of Minnesota School of Dentistry – Mobile Dental Clinic: A mobile clinic operated by the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry that expands access to essential oral health care for underserved communities across Minnesota through preventive and restorative dental services.

“The 26 Weeks of Giving campaign is about recognizing the everyday leaders who make inclusion a reality in Minnesota,” said Bill Fish, President & CEO of Special Olympics Minnesota. “As we prepare to welcome the nation for the 2026 USA Games, these 30 organizations are helping ensure that Minnesota remains a place where inclusion truly lives. We are proud to partner with them.”

Over the coming months, SOMN and the Special Olympics USA Games will spotlight grantees by sharing stories of their work and local impact. These stories will build toward the excitement of the 2026 USA Games, when thousands of athletes, families and fans will gather in Minnesota to witness the state’s commitment to accessibility and belonging firsthand.

"At Affinity Plus, we believe inclusion isn't just an ideal – it's a responsibility. Partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota and the 2026 USA Games through the 26 Weeks of Giving campaign allows us to help create spaces where everyone belongs," said Dave Larson, President & CEO, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.

"These grants represent more than financial support; they represent a shared commitment to building communities that celebrate every individual's potential," Larson continued.

For more information about the 26 Weeks of Giving campaign and to see the full list of recipients, visit somn.org/26weeksofgiving.

About Special Olympics Minnesota

Since 1973, Special Olympics Minnesota has been creating a new world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports competitions, inclusive healthcare programs, leadership training, and inclusive school programs. Special Olympics Minnesota envisions a Minnesota where every person, regardless of their ability, has every opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union

Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 35 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by more than 280,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4.3 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322- 7228.

About 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games – scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine – is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of nearly 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to Minnesota to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.