Grants encourage kids to take up running.
With an abundance of marathons and 5Ks, running has become a popular sport. However, most grants do not support amateur runners. Instead, running grants focus on providing funds for professional runners, increasing the development of running clubs and encouraging youth to live healthy lifestyles by taking an interest in running.
Running Club Grants
Running club grants provide funds to start running clubs and programs for youth. ING's Run for Something Better Grants work with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education to develop or expand a school running program. Grant recipients receive $2,500, and at least 50 grants are awarded each year. Saucony's Run for Good program provides grants of up to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations and schools that focus on youth ages 18 and under. Priority is given to programs that reach youth who would not normally be exposed to a running program.
Track Building and Restoration Grants
For school and youth track and field and running programs, a quality track is a necessity. However, school budgets do not always allow for track repair. Nike's Bowerman Track Renovation Program offers matching grants for nonprofit organizations that have running programs for children ages 14 through 18. The maximum grant amount is $50,000, and up to $200,000 in grant money is awarded each year. Lowe's Toolbox for Education provides $5,000 grants to help with school improvement projects that will boost community spirit, including renovating a track.
RRCA Grants
Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) provides grants and services for running clubs around the United States. Through the Kids Run the Nation, elementary schools, middle schools and nonprofit agencies may apply for grants from $500 to $1,000 for youth running programs. Up to $10,000 in grants are awarded each year. In addition to grants, the organization offers loans between $1,000 and $10,000 to help support small running clubs. Each grant charges a 3 percent interest rate, with no interest charged for the first 12 months.
USATF Grants
The USA Track & Field Foundation offers multiple grants related to running. Youth running clubs may apply for one of the foundation's youth grants to hold running events to expose youth in their community to running. The Mark Springer Youth Travel Grant program provides funds to help youth runners travel to special running events. Grants also provide funds to help elite athletes train and attend professional competitions.
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