RRCA is Accepting 2024 Kids Run the Nation Grant Applications

June 3, 2024

RRCA to award over $30,000 in grants ranging from $500-$1000 to youth running programs across the U.S.

Falls Church, Virginia /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) developed the Kids Run the Nation Fund in 2007 to assist running clubs, events, and schools interested in implementing or currently offering youth running programs in their communities. Through the Kids Run the Nation program, the RRCA’s vision is to help establish locally managed, gender-and ability inclusive, youth running programs in every ​school and community across the U.S. Since 2007, the RRCA has awarded more than $355,000 to deserving programs around the U.S. serving over 180,000 children.

In 2024, the RRCA will award grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to youth running programs across the U.S.  Running clubs, events, or other organizations with the IRS 501(c)(3) designation that host youth programs are eligible to apply. Elementary and middle schools that provide organized after-school running programs are eligible as well. Additionally:

• Programs should have kids running regularly, more than once each week for multiple weeks, as opposed to participating in a one-time event. The program may culminate in a goal fun run or other organized running event.
• Programs should be structured running programs that incorporating educational topics and running activities, ideally utilizing the RRCA’s Kids Run the Nation curriculum.
• Programs may be a startup program or an established program.
• Program must be gender-inclusive, encouraging, and welcoming participation by children from a variety of genders. The program may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnic origin, or economic status. The program may outline age groups and may indicate a minimum and maximum age for participation.
• Programs must meet SafeSport Act requirements, including completion of sexual abuse awareness and reporting training, and ideally, requiring criminal background checks on all adult program staff and volunteers.
• Learn more about what Kids Run the Nation grants will and will not fund.No grants will be given to individuals under any circumstance.

All applicants must be an official 501(c)(3), school, parent booster club, PTA, or a similar entity. The deadline to submit completed grant applications is August 1, 2024, by 11:59 PM Eastern. Learn more and apply today!

This grant program is funded by restricted contributions from RRCA members, individuals, foundations, and corporations. All money raised for the Kids Run the Nation Fund are restricted to this fund, and no portion of a donation are used for administrative expenses. Learn more about supporting the Kids Run the Nation Fund and our impact.

About RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to growing the sport since 1958. The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The RRCA’s vision is Empowering Everyone to Run. To learn more, visit: www.RRCA.org

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Contact: Erica Gminski

youthprograms@rrca.org

(703) 525-3890