$1.3M investment launches Phase 2 of The Change Makers Collective, powering year-round jobs for adaptive specialists
The National Ability Center (NAC), in collaboration with The Grainger Foundation, an independent private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, proudly announces the launch of Phase 2 of The Change Makers Collective––a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative for adaptive recreation professionals. This transformative initiative ensures full-time, year-round employment and specialized training for adaptive recreation program specialists, significantly enhancing the quality and consistency of adaptive recreational experiences.
Building on a successful first phase, The Grainger Foundation has committed an additional $1-million to continue its partnership with the NAC. This investment, combined with the NAC’s contribution of $300,000, will fund Phase 2 of the initiative from 2026 to 2028. Launched in 2023, Phase 1 achieved 100% retention among full-time specialists, who collectively delivered the impact of five part-time instructors. Full-time Program Specialists hired through this initiative have proven to be the most requested, highest-rated, and highest-output instructors at the NAC. This partnership highlights an innovative and sustainable model that is projected to become self-sustaining by 2029 through program revenues and ongoing philanthropic support.
“The Grainger Foundation’s continued support reflects a shared belief in the power of employment to create lasting impact,” said Willie Ford, CEO of the National Ability Center. “Phase 2 of this partnership builds on that momentum—investing in year-round roles essential to delivering our mission. This is more than a grant—it’s a commitment to people, purpose and progress.”
Phase 2 includes launching a third cohort of specialists, converting current positions to 12-month contracts, and expanding training and equipment funding across the full program team––not just Grainger Foundation-funded roles. The initiative has generated significant interest within the adaptive recreation industry, highlighting the effectiveness and desirability of full-time specialist roles.
“At The Grainger Foundation, we believe strong communities are built by investing in people and ideas that last,” said Jim Ryan, Director of The Grainger Foundation. “Our longstanding partnership with the National Ability Center reflects that belief. The Change Makers Collective is redefining what’s possible in adaptive recreation—centering skilled, passionate professionals who create lasting change. We’re proud to help advance a model that’s not only innovative, but deeply human.”
The NAC invites partners, donors, and advocates to help propel The Change Makers Collective as it moves towards Phase 3, becoming a fully sustainable and nationally scalable model by 2029 and continuing employment of all three specialist cohorts. For additional information or to help in furthering the collective, please visit https://discovernac.org/
About the National Ability Center:
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with varying physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Rooted in Park City, UT for 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 32,000 experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs, made possible by a historic 50-year land lease donated by Vail Resorts. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, the NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org
