Grant Program
Twice each year, the Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation will award grants to organizations that share our mission to help youth discover a passion for running, reading, and acts of kindness, leading to an increase in their self-confidence and self-respect while empowering them to move forward—one step at a time.
Funding requests up to $5,000 will be considered. Please note funding for general operating and administrative expenses of the organization will not be considered.
During our inaugural year of grant giving, we are prioritizing organizations headquartered in New England or with significant impact in the New England region. Priority will also be given to geographic areas with low reading scores and high poverty levels.
The next deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2024.
Programs considered for funding will focus on one or more of the following mission elements:
Running, physical fitness, healthy habits
Community organizations as well as before/after-school programs that promote a healthy and active lifestyle with running programs prioritized. Programs that encourage outdoor activity, good nutrition and community building. Requests for funding to improve facilities and play-spaces, purchase of road race entry fees or sports equipment will not be considered.
Reading, literacy, education
Community organizations, educational institutions or public libraries with programs that actively teach, improve or encourage children and youth to read.
Social-emotional learning, promoting kindness, or good citizenship
Programs, assemblies or workshops that encourage youth to make a change in their schools or community through kindness such as inclusiveness, celebrating differences, anti-bullying etc. Community events encouraging youth to take pride in their community by helping to keep it clean. Programs that emphasize social skill development and support a healthy foundation for academic, social and emotional growth.
The next deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2024.
Additional Criteria
The organization must be designated as having a tax exempt status according to the IRS Code Section 501(c)3 or its equivalent for educational institutions and public libraries. Organizations that operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit are also eligible, provided they establish that relationship prior to applying for a grant.
The organization’s specific program/event that funding is being requested for must be targeted to individuals 17 years of age and younger or at least include 75% of the target population served.
Application Review
This grant program will award grants twice annually. Applications are due February 1st and August 1st. Organizations are only eligible for a grant award once annually but may receive a grant in consecutive years. Issuance of a grant is not a guarantee of funding for subsequent years.
All grants applications will be reviewed by our Grant Review Committee and notifications will be sent by email to the contact person listed on the application approximately one month after the application due date.
Reporting Requirements
Award recipients will be asked to complete an interim report (if funding is based on a continuing project) as well as an outcome-based report at the end of the project. Photos or videos are appreciated as well.
The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation is not able to accept grant applications directly from individuals or families. While the Foundation is committed to supporting individuals and families, support must be made through IRS approved 501 (c)(3) organizations and qualified schools or libraries who in turn provide services and resources.
The next deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2024.
Please contact us at meg@davemcgillivrayfoundation.org if you have questions.