Grant Program

Seattle Frontrunners is committed to providing equitable experiences for all members. Accordingly, each year, the Board typically budgets an amount to be distributed as grants to support members who may need support to engage in the club’s activities. These grants may underwrite registration fees for races, costs directly related to participation in races (e.g., travel), running gear, and expenses related to participation in any SFR sponsored or endorsed event. 

Race Grant

Any Seattle Frontrunners member needing a grant for the registration fee for a race should submit a Grant Program Request. While a good faith effort will be made to accommodate all reasonable requests, priority consideration will be given to requests: 

  • For races on SFR’s Promoted Race calendar;

  • Submitted at least one month prior to the race;

  • From members who have not previously received a race grant in that fiscal year.

Because funds are limited, it is unlikely that SFR can provide funding for any member for more than two races per fiscal year. If a member receives a grant and then does not compete, they are required to notify and reimburse SFR for the total amount provided. 

Shoe Grant

Any member requiring funding for shoes for an SFR running or walking event, including SFR’s weekly runs/walks, is eligible for an annual grant of up to $80. Members requiring an additional pair of shoes within one year of receiving a grant (e.g. marathon runners) can apply for additional funding; these requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, please submit a Grant Program Request. The number of shoe grants awarded will depend upon the availability of funds.

Additional Grants

SFR will consider supporting members to participate in SFR promoted events or in events where there is an SFR team, or in purchasing running/walking gear, on a case-by-case basis. To apply, please submit a Grant Program Request. SFR grants are unable to support airfare and international travel.

Grant Approval & Disbursement Process 

  1. The DEI Chair will receive all requests, and in consultation with another Executive Committee member, approve or deny the request. (For privacy reasons, the identity of applicants will only be accessible to the DEI Chair and Executive Committee). If the DEI Chair and Executive Committee member are unable to agree, the full Executive Committee, plus the DEI Chair, will render a final decision by majority vote. In the event of a tie, the DEI Chair’s vote will determine the outcome. 

  2. Next, the DEI Chair notifies the Treasurer, in writing, of the grant recipient and amount.

  3. Then, the DEI Chair notifies the recipient, in writing, of the financial assistance they will receive and the expectations associated with the grant.

  4. Finally, the recipient, after incurring the expense, submits the request and appropriate documentation here for reimbursement from the Treasurer. For requests related to participation in races or events, the recipient shall also provide proof of participation (e.g., race website result) to the DEI Chair. 

Any grant provided must be used for its intended purpose. If a grant recipient would like to volunteer for SFR, they should contact an Executive Board member to explore volunteer opportunities.