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.

 

Grant Philosophy

Funding requests up to $5,000 will be considered. To ensure our funding directly supports meaningful programs and community impact, grants cannot be used for general operating or administrative expenses.

We remain especially committed to supporting organizations based in New England or making a significant impact across the region, with particular consideration given to communities experiencing low reading scores and high poverty levels. This grant cycle, we will also prioritize organizations that are currently implementing, or plan to implement, the Finish Strong Foundation’s Dream Big Marathon program within the next 12 months.

Fall Grant Applications Coming Soon

“For the first time in a long time, my child felt included. They smiled again, believed in themselves again, and looked forward to something every week. Thank you for making that possible.”

- Parent of Grant Recipient

Programs considered for funding will focus on one or more of the following mission elements:

Running | Fitness| Healthy Habits

Community organizations and before-and after-school programs that help young people lead healthy, active lives, with priority given to programs that incorporate running. We are especially interested in initiatives that encourage outdoor activity, good nutrition and a strong sense of community. At this time, funding cannot be used for facility or play-space improvements, road race entry fees or sports equipment.

Reading | Literacy | Education

Community organizations, educational institutions or public libraries with programs that actively teach, improve or encourage children and youth to read.

Inclusion | Kindness | Good Citizenship

Programs, workshops and community initiatives that empower young people to lead with kindness, celebrate differences and create positive change in their schools and communities. This may include programs focused on inclusion, anti-bullying, community pride, social skill development and healthy academic, social and emotional growth.

 

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.

  • The Foundation will also prioritize applications from organizations currently implementing, or planning to implement, the foundation’s Dream Big Marathon (DBM) program within the next 12 months.

Application Review

This grant program will award grants twice annually. 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 grant 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.


Please contact our executive director at laurita@davemcgillivrayfoundation.org if you have questions.