Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation Grant Program

Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation Grant Program

Mission: Help youth discover a passion for running, reading, and acts of kindness, leading to increased self-confidence and self-respect while empowering them to move forward—one step at a time.

Geographic Scope

• Primary focus: New England region
• Priority areas: Organizations headquartered in New England or with significant impact in the New England region
• Additional priority: Geographic areas with low reading scores and high poverty levels

Funding Focus Areas

Grants support programs in one or more of the following areas:

#### Running, Physical Fitness, Healthy Habits

Community organizations and before/after-school programs that promote healthy and active lifestyle

Running programs prioritized

Programs encouraging outdoor activity, good nutrition, and community building

#### Reading, Literacy, Education

Community organizations, educational institutions, or public libraries

Programs that actively teach, improve, or encourage children and youth to read

#### Social-Emotional Learning, Kindness, Citizenship

Programs, assemblies, or workshops encouraging youth to make positive change in schools or communities

Focus on inclusiveness, celebrating differences, anti-bullying

Community events encouraging youth to take pride in their community through service

Programs emphasizing social skill development and healthy foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth

Special Priority (New for this cycle)

Applications from organizations currently implementing, or planning to implement, the foundation's Dream Big Marathon (DBM) program within the next 12 months will receive priority consideration.

Eligibility Requirements

• Tax-exempt status: Must be designated as tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) or equivalent for educational institutions and public libraries
• Fiscal sponsorship: Organizations operating under fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit are eligible, provided they establish that relationship prior to applying
• Target population: Program/event must be targeted to individuals 17 years of age and younger, or at least include 75% of target population served
• Award frequency: Organizations are eligible for a grant award once annually but may receive grants in consecutive years
• No direct individual/family support: Foundation cannot accept applications directly from individuals or families; support must flow through 501(c)(3) organizations or qualified schools/libraries

What Will NOT Be Funded

• General operating and administrative expenses of the organization
• Requests to improve facilities and play-spaces
• Purchase of road race entry fees or sports equipment

Reporting Requirements

• Interim report required if funding is based on a continuing project
• Outcome-based report required at end of project
• Photos or videos appreciated

Award Timeline

• Grants awarded twice annually
• Grant notifications sent by email approximately one month after application due date
• Issuance of grant is not a guarantee of funding for subsequent years

Contact Information

• Executive Director: Laurita (laurita@davemcgillivrayfoundation.org)
• General Contact: info@davemcgillivrayfoundation.org
• Address: DMSE Sports, 22 Sixth Rd., Woburn, MA, United States