Kids Run the Nation programs are administered and funded in a variety of ways. Consider the following ideas, taking into account funding needs, fundraising goals, timeframe, location, manpower, proposed use of funds, and corporate or nonprofit status.
Run-a-thon
Friends, family, and community members pledge donations for each lap run
Run Across America
Friends, family, and community members pledge donations for cumulative miles “run across America” by program participants
Field Day
Invite friends, family, and community members to participate in field day activities for a donation
Merchandise Sales
Design and sell apparel, bake and sell sweet, or sell other goods with proceeds benefiting your program
Car Wash
Program members wash cars for donations
Running Clothes Day at School or the Office
Allow students or employees to attend school or work in running clothes for a donation
Donations Boxes at Local Businesses
Ask businesses to display donation collection boxes near cash registers and reception areas
Tabling at Local Events
Offer program information and collect donations at community events
Restaurant Nights
Coordinate an evening where a portion of a restaurant’s sales benefit your program
Corporate / Community Group Event
Invite local businesses, schools, and community groups to participate in a team 5k or other event for a donation
Auction
Ask community members and businesses for donated goods and services to include in a silent or live auction, with proceeds benefiting your program
School / Community Social Event
Hold a community dance, concert, film screening, or other social event for a donation
Yard sale
Hold a community yard sale, offering table space to community members for a donation
If you choose to utilize the RunSignUp platform for your program, consider including a donation page to raise funds from participants, their families and friends, local residents, business owners, and community leaders.
We would love to hear about innovative fundraising ideas that have been successful for your youth running program. Email youthprograms@rrca.org today!
Grant Writing
Local, state, and national government agencies and foundations of all sizes grant funds, services, and materials to qualified nonprofit organizations, schools, and other groups. Explore the following online resources for lists of grant opportunities and grant writing tips.
- FoundationCenter.org provides a wealth of information on identifying grant opportunities and submitting quality grant proposals. The subscription-based Foundation Directory Online helps you determine the best funding sources from their database of more than 140,000 grantmakers.
- GrantStation.com is a membership-based service that helps organizations identify potential funding sources, including access to their searchable grantmaker database.