Airbnb launches 2025 travel grant to Support elite athletes

For the fifth time, Airbnb has partnered with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to launch the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant 2025.

This initiative provides financial assistance to up to 1,000 elite athletes worldwide, offering a $2,000 travel grant to book accommodations via Airbnb. The grant aims to alleviate financial burdens for athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Supporting athletes on the road to Milano Cortina 2026

The grant program is open for applications until February 13, 2025 (Pacific Time). It will prioritize athletes training for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. However, eligible athletes competing in summer and winter sports are encouraged to apply. The grant, valid for 12 months, can be used for training or competition-related stays around the world.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including actively competing at an elite level in an IOC- or IPC-recognized sport included in the Milano Cortina 2026 or LA 2028 programs. Athletes must also demonstrate a need for financial support, a compelling story, and a strong likelihood of participating in future Games.

Addressing training challenges

This initiative addresses a critical challenge for many athletes: access to suitable training facilities. For instance, athletes from countries with tropical climates often face difficulties in preparing for winter sports. Programs like the Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant provide essential support, enabling teams to train in countries with the required infrastructure.

Historically, teams like Nigeria’s bobsled team and Ghanaian skeleton athlete Akwasi Frimpong made headlines in 2019 as the first Winter Olympians for their nations. These athletes, based in countries with winter training facilities, highlighted the importance of proper resources in achieving competitive success.

Italian Paralympic snowboarder Jacopo Luchini, a previous recipient of the grant, shared the impact of the grant with the IPC:
“Surfing in remote paradises, training in nature’s raw beauty, and discovering the world through Airbnb has been my way of breaking boundaries—both as an athlete and as a person.”

Application process

The application process will assess factors such as storytelling, diversity, and financial need. Athletes must also adhere to integrity standards, including not being under suspension or sanctions for violations such as doping or match-fixing.

The grant opens doors for athletes from all corners of the world to compete on a level playing field, ensuring financial constraints don’t hinder their journey. For many, this initiative will provide the much-needed boost to train, compete, and inspire future generations.

For more information and to apply, visit the official application page: Airbnb Athlete Travel Grant 2025.