The Boston Athletic Association
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established on March 15, 1887, making it one of the nation's oldest athletic clubs. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the organization is dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and community through running events and programs. The B.A.A. operates as a comprehensive sports organization that manages major athletic events, community initiatives, and athlete development programs.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$33.4M
+7.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.2M
+18.0% YoY
Grant Count
44
+41.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$49K
-16.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.
Vision: Committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle.
The organization operates in three principal segments:
Long Distance, Mass Participation Running Events — Most notably the Boston Marathon, which the B.A.A. has managed and operated continuously since 1897. The inaugural Boston Marathon in 1897 began as a 24.5-mile road race with 15 runners, ten of whom finished.
Community Service Events — A variety of community-focused events designed to benefit groups and organizations in the greater Boston area, including youth running programs, school initiatives, and local events.
Athlete Training and Development — Training and development of running athletes at both elite and sub-elite levels. The B.A.A. also collaborates with two other organizations to operate a community running center in Boston.
The B.A.A. hosts year-round events ranging in distance from the mile to marathon, featuring athletes of all ages and abilities. Current community initiatives include the Boston Marathon Youth Jamboree, Boston Middle School Cross Country Championship, Road to Wellness 5K in Roxbury, Mayor's Cup Cross Country Youth Races, B.A.A. Relay Challenge, Boston Scholastic Cross Country League, and Boston Parks & Recreation Programs.
Grantmaking
The B.A.A. operates the **B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program**, which supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that promote health and fitness through running.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The B.A.A. primarily focuses on Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on the greater Boston area and communities along the Boston Marathon course and beyond.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (Fiscal Year Ending June 2024):
- Revenue: $35,129,206
- Expenses: $34,116,665
- Net Income: $1,012,541
- Total Assets: $33.4 million
- Total Liabilities: $4.69 million
- Net Assets: $28,741,428
Previous Year (Fiscal Year Ending June 2023):
- Total Revenues: $29,310,930
- Total Expenses: $30,357,789
- Total Assets: $31,073,933
Organizational Rating: The Boston Athletic Association holds a Four-Star rating from independent charity evaluators, with a 97% score reflecting strong accountability and financial management. The organization maintains a board composition with 91% independent members and undergoes financial statement audits.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $33,432,180 | $31,073,933 | $30,970,595 |
| Revenue | $35,129,206 | $29,310,930 | $43,616,867 |
| Expenses | $34,116,665 | $30,357,789 | $36,578,650 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $731,299 | $401,127 | $264,905 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
121 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Boston Athletic Association
B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program
THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Amount
US $5,000 - US $15,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
B.A.A. Gives Back Grants
THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
Deadline
August 19, 2026
Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program
THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Amount
3-15 invitational marathon entries (Gold: 10-15 entries; Blue: 3-5 entries)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($426,500), Boston Police Department ($361,700), Town of Hopkinton ($154,700).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF HOPKINTON HOPKINTON, MA | SUPPORT | $154,700 |
| TOWN OF ASHLAND ASHLAND, MA | SUPPORT | $80,600 |
| TOWN OF FRAMINGHAM FRAMINGHAM, MA | SUPPORT | $80,600 |
| TOWN OF NATICK NATICK, MA | SUPPORT | $151,823 |
| TOWN OF WELLESLEY WELLESLEY, MA | SUPPORT | $80,600 |
| CITY OF NEWTON NEWTON, MA | SUPPORT | $120,000 |
| TOWN OF BROOKLINE BROOKLINE, MA | SUPPORT | $90,500 |
| CITY OF BOSTON BOSTON, MA | SUPPORT | $71,300 |
| BOSTON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BOSTON, MA | SUPPORT | $91,700 |
| BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BOSTON, MA | SUPPORT | $361,700 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Principal Officer: John Fleming
The organization employs 38 staff members.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN FLEMING | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $338,757 |
| SCOTT STOVER | CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | 40 | $190,030 |
| LAUREN CLINE | CHIEF OF RACE OPS & PRODUCTION | 40 | $197,845 |
| TIERNEY CAREY | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 40 | $197,629 |
| DENIS MARK CARROL | HEAD OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE | 40 | $182,458 |
| THOMAS S GRILK | SPECIAL ADVISOR | 5 | $153,086 |
| CHRISTIE ABENDROTH | DIRECTOR OF HR | 40 | $152,302 |
| MARY KATE SHEA | DIRECTOR OF PRO ATHLETES | 40 | $159,755 |
| CHRIS MINERD | SALESFORCE MANAGER | 40 | $144,643 |
| SUSAN CLEARY | DIRECTOR OF ATHLETE SERVICES | 40 | $139,609 |
| LORNA CAMPBELL | DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS | 40 | $127,076 |
| JOANN FLAMINIO | GOVERNOR/CLERK | 10 | — |
| DR MICHAEL O'LEARY | CHAIRMAN (THRU NOV 2023) | 10 | — |
| PETER R BROWN | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
| CHERI BLAUWET MD | BOARD CHAIR (AS OF NOV 2023) | 15 | — |
| WILLIAM B EVANS | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
| GUY L MORSE III | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
| KEITH MCDERMOTT | GOVERNOR/VICE CHAIR | 5 | — |
| JEFFREY R CAMERON | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
| WILLIAM MCCARRON | GOVERNOR/TREASURER | 5 | — |
| ADRIENNE R BENTON | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
| WILLIAM F LEE | GOVERNOR | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The B.A.A. continues to expand its grantmaking and community impact:
The organization awarded $125,000 in grants during the fall 2025 round of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program
Fall edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program awards $125,000 to localThe spring 2025 round also distributed $125,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations
Boston Athletic Association Awards $125,000 in the spring round of B.A.A.The 130th Boston Marathon is currently in countdown, with the B.A.A. 10K registration open in Athletes' Village
Boston Athletic Association Awards $125,000 in the spring round of B.A.A.The B.A.A. operates the Official Charity Program in partnership with Bank of America, which grants marathon entries to nonprofits that recruit runners to fundraise for causes that build healthier communities
Fall edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program awards $125,000 to localThe organization continues to host the Boston 5K and B.A.A. Invitational Mile, with the 2026 events scheduled for Saturday, April 18, featuring defending champions, Olympians, Paralympians, and record holders
Boston Athletic Association Awards $125,000 in the spring round of B.A.A.Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Boston Athletic Association fund?
**Mission:** Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. **Vision:** Committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The organization operates in three principal segments: 1. **Long Distance, Mass Participation Running Events** — Most notably the Boston Marathon, which the B.A.A. has managed and operated continuously since 1…
How do I apply for a grant from The Boston Athletic Association?
The B.A.A. operates the **B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program**, which supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that promote health and fitness through running. **Grant Details:** • **Grant Amount:** $5,000 to $15,000 annually • **Eligible Applicants:** 501(c)(3) registered organizations or public agencies • **Focus:** Initiatives that enhance community engagement and wellness and align with the B.A.A.'s mission to foster healthy lifestyles **Recent Grant Activity:** • Fall 2025 round: $12…
Where does The Boston Athletic Association make grants?
The B.A.A. primarily focuses on Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on the greater Boston area and communities along the Boston Marathon course and beyond.
What size grants does The Boston Athletic Association award?
In 2024, The Boston Athletic Association awarded 44 grants totaling $2.2M — an average of about $49K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Boston Athletic Association's EIN?
The Boston Athletic Association's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-6111707. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Boston Athletic Association's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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