Positive Tracks Starter Fund

Purpose: To make Challenges more accessible and easier to carry out for Captains by providing funding to cover costs associated with organizing and executing athletic events. The fund helps alleviate financial burdens on Captains when they need supplies, equipment, or services.

Eligibility

• Target Audience: Positive Tracks Challenge Captains (youth ages 12-25) who organize and lead athletic events to support causes they care about
• Status: Any Captain of a Positive Tracks Challenge is eligible to apply if they believe their Challenge could benefit from additional funding support
• Geographic Scope: Not specified (based at Hanover, NH)

Award Amounts

• Solo Challenges: Up to $75 per Captain
• Public Challenges: Up to $125 per Captain (up to 4 Captains per Challenge = up to $500 total)
• Additional Funding Requests: Up to $1,000 maximum with written request and supporting documentation

Allowable Expenses

• Equipment and Supplies: Sports equipment (balls, bats, mats, helmets), safety gear (first aid kits, protective gear), event supplies (markers, cones, clipboards, whistles)
• Refreshments: Hydration supplies (Gatorade, water bottles), snacks (granola bars, fruit)
• Prizes and Awards: Trophies, medals, ribbons
• Event Rentals: Venue rentals (gym, field, community center), equipment rentals (sound system, tents, tables, chairs)
• Permits and Licenses: Event permits, licenses for public gatherings
• Additional Services: Timekeeping services, referees, judges, official scorers
• Professional Fees: Instructors (Zumba, fitness coaches), entertainers (DJ, live band)
• Promotional Materials: Flyers, posters, banners, social media advertisements, printing costs
• Miscellaneous: Transportation for participants/equipment, event-specific insurance, registration fees for Captains joining athletic events
• Fundraising Incentives: Raffle items including t-shirts, gift cards (maximum $25 of grant)

Non-Allowable Expenses

• Non-Challenge related personal items
• Clothing not specific to event
• Participant registration fees
• Full meal catering and alcoholic beverages
• Unrelated fees and services
• Decorative items not essential to event
• Luxury items or gifts
• Recurring operational costs (rent, utilities, salaries)
• Expensive technology and software licenses

Additional Information

• One Starter Fund per Captain, per Challenge
• Repeat Captains eligible for new starter funds with new Challenges
• Multiple Captains can lead same Challenge and each receive funding
• Captains encouraged to reuse materials when possible
• Budget availability affects approval decisions
• Captains assigned a Positive Tracks Coach for guidance
• Fundraising match available separately from starter fund

Application Process

1. Access Application: Fill out the starter fund application found in the Positive Tracks portal
2. Timing: Submit application at least 8 business days prior to the first day of Challenge (expand to 14-21 days if requesting check to be mailed rather than online purchase)
3. Required Materials:
   • List of intended purchases with brief rationale and cost for each item
   • Supporting documentation (if requesting additional funds beyond standard amounts):
   • Event attendance or registration lists
   • Detailed planning documents
   • Price quotes for services/items exceeding original starter fund budget
4. Review Process:
   • Program team (including assigned Coach) reviews application
   • Determines eligibility based on allowable expenses list
   • If not initially approved, Captain has opportunity to revise request in conversation with Coach
5. Distribution:
   • Approved Captains have Coach purchase items online and mail to Captain, OR
   • Check mailed directly to Captain if items cannot be purchased online
6. Surplus Funds:
   • If surplus remains after purchases, Captain may:
   • Donate surplus to the supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, OR
   • Return funds to Positive Tracks
   • Must discuss surplus with Coach before Challenge takes place
   • If returning funds, options include:
   • Mail Check: Make payable to Positive Tracks, 35 S. Main Street, Suite 105, Hanover, NH 03755 (include note with name, phone, email, amount, and "starter fund surplus" designation)
   • PayPal: Email to [email protected] with note stating funds constitute starter fund surplus and send email to Coach with details
   • Cash: Drop off at Positive Tracks office (include note with name, phone, email, amount, and "starter fund surplus" designation)
   • If no funds used, full amount must be returned