B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients Announced for Spring 2024

April 9, 2024

Local nonprofit organizations receive support from the Boston Athletic Association

BOSTON /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced the beneficiaries of the Spring 2024 edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program. Thirteen nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will receive support to further their programing that truly gives back to the local communities and supports a healthy lifestyle.

With a record number of applications as the program enters its second year and third grant cycle, the recipients cover a range of organizations that advance the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.

Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program is now an established funding program, and we were delighted to receive a record number of applicants for our third funding round. We remain focused on supporting organizations that play an important role in their towns and cities, providing important services and opportunities in health and wellness for all.”

Fast Facts:

• Since the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program launched in Spring 2023, nearly $400,000 has been distributed through three rounds of funding.
• To date, 40 grants have been awarded and 32 unique organizations have benefitted from the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program.
• 15 of the grantees have their work focused specifically in Boston; the other 17 grantees have a broader reach across Massachusetts.
• The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program awards monetary grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 through an application process open to all nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria:
• Organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or a public agency.
• Organization is not political.
• Organization’s program advances the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.
• Organization is located in and serves residents of Massachusetts.
• The next round of grant applications will launch in the fall of 2024.

In the last three years, aside from and in addition to the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program, the B.A.A. has given nearly $400,000 in additional funding to other local projects and organizations to further support our mission. This includes the B.A.A.’s decade-long partnership with the Dimock Center’s annual Road to Wellness 5K; USA Track and Field – New England Association to support track & field; assisting the Department of Conservation and Recreation with winter snow clearance along the Charles River pathway; and supporting organizations that make up the Boston Running Collaborative.

B.A.A. Gives Back Grants – 2024 Spring Recipients
Achilles International*

All Dorchester Sports and Leadership*

Boston Lions Track Club*

Boston Road Runners

Boston United Track and Cross Country*

EVkids, Inc.

Girls on the Run – Greater Boston*

Healthy Kids Running Series*

One Summit, Inc.

Rise Above Foundation*

Roxbury Community College – Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center
Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England
Stride for Stride*

* Organizations that also received a grant in the 2023

Quotes from the Spring 2024 grant recipients:

Emily Glasser, President and CEO, Achilles International:
“Achilles International is grateful for the Boston Athletic Association’s support. The B.A.A. Gives Back grant will create a meaningful impact on our Achilles Boston chapter. Every dollar raised means that we can break down barriers to the start line and provide more athletes with disabilities in Boston access to adaptive running opportunities.”

Candice D. Gartley, Executive Director, All Dorchester Sports:
“We have significantly expanded into our community with our programs post pandemic, so we value those who understand the importance of supporting organizations like ours who provide out of school and afterschool programs. This year is on track to be another highly successful year for ADSL – and the B.A.A.’s generosity will play a large part in that success. Our work would not be able to continue without their support.”

Tomorrow Peeples-Taylor, Boston Lions Track Club:

“On behalf of the Boston Lions Track Club and Mentoring Organization, we are truly grateful for the generous support from the Boston Athletic Association. This grant will allow us to continue making a positive impact on the lives of inner-city youth through our Track and Field program.”

Arcel Melo, coach and board member, Boston United Track Club
“Receiving this contribution brought a huge smile to my face. The Boston Athletic Association has helped facilitate many track meets and jamborees that our athletes enjoy and feel a part of. To be a recipient of this grant is a great honor because it encourages us to know that we are supported. I could not be prouder that we are recognized as partners in the work of promoting health and wellness through track and field, while removing cost as a barrier.”

Eric Thompson, Esq., Executive Director, EVkids:
“EVkids is deeply honored to receive the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant. This generous support reaffirms our commitment to empowering Boston students to realize their potential through healthy, active lifestyles, and amplifies our efforts to make meaningful change within our communities. With this grant, we can extend the transformative experience of EVkids Camp to more students, instilling resilience and promoting physical health. Thank you, Boston Athletic Association, for believing in our mission and investing in our young people.”

Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Greater Boston:
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant from the B.A.A., which will make it possible for dozens of girls in diverse communities in Greater Boston to experience the transformational power of Girls on the Run. Running is a gift that gives our girls the self-confidence they need to set and achieve their biggest goals, and we deeply appreciate the B.A.A.’s partnership in this mission.”

Adam Marks, Race Director, Healthy Kids Running Series – Jamaica Plain
“Wow! This is truly wonderful and heartwarming news, and I am incredibly grateful for the continued support and encouragement of the B.A.A. for Healthy Kids Running Series in Jamaica Plain. This generous grant will allow us to purchase new materials and market our program to a wider audience in the Greater Boston area. Our hope is that this grant ensures our continued success for years to come. We are truly overwhelmed and thankful, and we look forward to continuing this partnership as we gear up for the start of our spring series on May 19th at Parkman Playground in Jamaica Plain.”

Dianne M. Lynch, Executive Director, One Summit, Inc.:

“The Boston Athletic Association stands as an icon in the heart of Boston, not merely for its prestigious races but also for its indomitable spirit, which mirrors the resilience of this historic city. We are honored to receive a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant, allowing One Summit to embody the determination of our city as we continue to build resilience in our community of pediatric cancer patients through experiential learning with US Navy SEALs.”

Sarah Baldiga, Co-founder & Executive Director, Rise Above Foundation:

“This is wonderful news! Rise Above is honored to partner with the B.A.A. to give local youth access to sports and physical activities. This generous support will enable the youth in foster care we serve to participate in activities like track and field, team sports, swimming lessons and more. Positive Childhood Experiences are so important to combat the impacts of trauma in youth in foster care and can provide a significant health boost.”

Jean Bertschmann, Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England:
“The Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England is extremely grateful to the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program for its generous support of our health and wellness programming. Adaptive fitness can be difficult to access but is critical to long-term health outcomes – especially for people with limited mobility. This funding will support our annual Walk-N-Roll/Health Fair and connect our community to adaptive fitness opportunities available across New England to keep us all moving. Our community is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Spina Bifida athletes like Tatyana McFadden, Daniel Romanchuk, and Jean Driscoll. They epitomize strength, determination, and possibility!”

Tom O’Keefe, Stride for Stride:
“I’m delighted that Stride for Stride is a recipient of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant this year. This grant will allow Stride for Stride to continue giving immigrant, BIPOC, and low-income runners the opportunity to compete in races just like everyone else. Running a B.A.A. race is more than just running – it’s about hope, empowerment, belonging and being seen. The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant ensures that our team of 400 runners from 26 countries will continue running in 2024.”

Michael Turner, Executive Director, The Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center:
“We are deeply honored and grateful to receive the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant. This generous support will significantly impact our efforts at Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College, allowing us to further our mission of fostering a healthy lifestyle through sports. With this grant, we can continue to serve our community and empower individuals to pursue their athletic passions, ultimately building healthier and stronger communities together.”

More information:
A full list of spring recipients and more information on the program can be found HERE.
Learn more about some of our inaugural recipients HERE.

END

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.) 

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. Starting in 2024, the Boston Marathon’s presenting partner will be Bank of America. The 128th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 15, 2024. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Lorna Campbell

Head of Public Relations

lcampbell@baa.org

Chris Lotsbom
Director of Race Communications & Media
clotsbom@baa.org