LRC Public Schools and Community Grant

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
• Over $41,000 distributed in 2024 grants

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form on the LRC website
2. Include a summary explaining why you need the grant
3. Payment arrangement: If approved, LRC's preferred payment method is to the organization or event (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis)
   • For organizations/schools: checks made payable to the school, organization, or event
   • For individuals: preferred payment to organization; exceptions on case-by-case basis

Required Information

• Applicant name and contact information
• Organization/school name (if applicable)
• Summary of grant need
• Amount requested
• Description of how funds will be used
• Confirmation that expenses are directly related to running programs

Timeline

• Applications accepted throughout the calendar year
• Reviewed quarterly
• Decision notification within 30 days of quarter end

Questions?

• Contact: lrc@lakelandrunnersclub.org