Since 2007, the Road Runners Club of America and the Kids Run the Nation initiative have assisted running clubs, schools, and community nonprofits interested in implementing or currently hosting youth-running programs.
In 2019, a total of $30,000 will be awarded in the form of small grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to start-up or pre-existing, gender-inclusive, structured running programs. Programs should have a goal to have kids running regularly (more than once a week) for multiple weeks, as opposed to participating in a single event (although the program can culminate in a fun run or other organized running event). Programs should be focused on participation and ideally will use the RRCA's Kids Run the Nation youth-running curriculum.
Examples of things and activities funded through the program include marketing materials (brochures, posters, fliers, and other printed or digital materials informing parents about the program); advertising; a program website; permit or usage fees for a local park or running track; hydration supplies (including water bottles, cups, or coolers); snacks and meals for program participants; incentives and awards such as Toe Tokens®, ribbons, shirts, water bottles, backpack tags, patches, etc; and mileage logs, worksheets, and other written materials for program participants.
To be eligible, applicants must be a running club, event, or other organization with tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Elementary and middle schools that provide an organized afterschool running program are eligible, as are schools, parent booster clubs, PTAs, or similar entities.
Click here to see the Road Runners Club of America website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.
