Coaching Scholarship Fund

The RRCA Coaching Scholarship Fund provides financial support to organizations seeking to improve access to the RRCA's Coaching Certification Program for people who are the most impacted by overlapping systems of discrimination.

Purpose: To address inequitable access to the RRCA Coaching Certification Program for Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, LGBTQ+, and People with Disabilities seeking to become RRCA Certified Coaches.

Geographic Scope: Nationwide (US)

Focus Areas:

• Improving access to RRCA Coaching Certification Program
• Supporting coaches from historically oppressed communities
• Addressing barriers created by historical in-person course requirements
• Serving communities impacted by discrimination (sexism, racism, economic disadvantage, etc.)

Background:

• 2020: DEI focus group discussions identified inequitable access issues
• 2020: RRCA transitioned to online, interactive course delivery to reduce barriers
• 2023: Private foundation matched donations up to $10,000

Eligible Organization Types:

1. Nonprofit: Organized running clubs with 501(c)(3) designation or RRCA nonprofit group exemption
2. For-profit: Organized running business (LLC, S-Corp) engaging coaches that lead training programs targeting communities impacted by discrimination

Eligibility Requirements: Applying organizations must:

• Have an active web and social media presence demonstrating running community engagement
• Engage potential coaches that lead training programs/group runs serving communities impacted by discrimination
• Identify coach candidates impacted by overlapping systems of discrimination
• Ensure coach candidates have baseline knowledge including: desire to become certified coach, running race experience, experience as group run leader/captain or organization ambassador
• Facilitate registration in RRCA Coaching certification course for scholarship recipients

Important Notes:

• Funding is exclusively for organizations that apply and are selected as supported organizations
• Fund does NOT provide funds directly to individuals
• Fund does NOT provide discounts to individuals not identified by supported organizations
• Individual coach candidates should engage with an RRCA supported organization for potential support

Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Visit RRCA.org/programs/coaching-certification/coaching-scholarship-fund
2. Submit application for organizational review

Review Timeline:

• Applications reviewed on a quarterly basis
• Four or more organizations selected annually

How to Donate:

• Visit RRCA.org/donate-to-rrca/
• Donations made in 2023 were matched up to $10,000 by a private foundation