LRC Public Schools and Community Grant

LRC Public Schools and Community Grant

Funder: Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Geographic Scope: Lakeland area and within the boundaries of Polk County, Florida

Focus Areas: Non-administrative running programs and activities

Award Details:

Individuals: Up to $500 per application; may submit more than one application in a 12-month period

Public Schools/Organizations: Up to $1,500 per application; limited to $1,500 in grant support in a 12-month period

Exceptions to grant limits subject to board discretion

Eligibility Requirements

• Grants must be need-based
• Requested grant must be used for expenses directly related to (non-administrative) running programs
• Applicants must be based and operating in the Lakeland area or within Polk County boundaries
• Polk County public schools are especially encouraged to apply

Allowable Expenses

• Equipment
• Uniforms
• Meet fees
• Travel
• Facility rental
• Staff
• Volunteer training
• Outreach

What They Don't Fund

• Coaching salaries
• Administrative salaries
• Administrative expenses

Review Process

• Applications accepted throughout the calendar year
• Reviewed on a quarterly basis
• Applicants notified within 30 days of the end of the preceding quarter

Volunteer Encouragement

• Applicants encouraged to provide volunteer hours at an LRC event within that calendar year (e.g., staff a water station)
• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old unless supervised by parent/guardian
• Minors may assist and earn service hours at races with parental supervision

Contact Information

• Email: lrc@lakelandrunnersclub.org
• Mailing Address: PO BOX 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
• Website: lakelandrunnersclub.org
• For race volunteer coordination: races@lakelandrunnersclub.org

Background

• The LRC Giving Program has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships and grants
• All-volunteer nonprofit founded in 1974
• Over $41,000 distributed in 2024 grants