PROGRAMS

We have three signature programs that bring our mission to life.

The Dream Big Marathon dares kids to run 26 miles, read 26 books, and perform 26 acts of kindness. Inspired by the Dream Big children’s book, classrooms, scout troops and other groups of young people can take part in this nationwide experience.

Discover more here.

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.

Learn how to apply here.

Running is the most fundamental sport.

In fact, many sports require the ability to run in order to participate. However, insurance companies in the United States consider running prosthetics a luxury.

Running Is A Right seeks to provide young people living with limb loss the access they need to recreational prosthetics. We’ve partnered with Shriners Hospitals for Children to produce special events across the country. At these events, their patients are fitted with free running blades, trained in using them to run and enjoy the sports they love, and are given an opportunity to meet and engage with other children just like them!

This program, founded and spearheaded by Brooke Raasch, is an amazing example of our mission in action: empowering child amputees to move more and unlock a future that includes sports and fitness. Through the healthy movement that the blades make possible, these young people are given the key to a lifelong love of physical activity and the many lessons and benefits of an active lifestyle.

For more information on upcoming events, contact us now.

Want to support Running Is A Right? Donate today!

DREAM BIG MARATHON

Running 26 miles, reading 26 books, and completing 26 acts of kindness.

This is the unique goal that we present to children in our Dream Big Marathon program. This 16-week classroom-based program is designed to help children develop a positive relationship with reading, physical activity, and good citizenship.

Students will experience social-emotional learning alongside healthy movement and exercise, harnessing the mind-body connection for a successful life. Based on the story of running legend Dave McGillivray's beginnings with the Boston Marathon, the overall themes include overcoming challenges, creating plans to reach your goals, celebrating your accomplishments, and believing in yourself!

This program is our mission come to life and we are seeking teachers, scout leaders, after-school program leaders and more to help us bring this experience to kids across the US. We have both a signature version of the program, as well as ways to customize it to fit your group’s needs and schedule.

We have a downloadable handbook with everything you need, plus swag to help motivate and congratulate participants.

For more information on how you can bring the Dream Big Marathon to your group, FILL OUT THIS FORM NOW.

Want to support the Dream Big Marathon? Donate today!

Grant Program

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.

We continue to prioritize 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. New for this cycle of awards, 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.

Spring 2026 Applications Is Closed

The Spring 2026 application opens on March 16 and will close on April 13, 2026.

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.

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.
New for this cycle of awards, 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.