The RunSignup Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations that promote the endurance industry. First introduced in 2016, the program is back in 2026 after a COVID-19 related interruption.
As an employee owned company that is profitable, we believe it’s important to share our success between employees, customers, and the running community. We do this regularly through free technology (like event websites, email, real-time results, photos, and the Beta AI Chatbot) to help customers succeed. But looking beyond that, the RunSignup Community Grant allows us to share some profits to invest in the long-term health of the endurance community and promote future growth for us all.
The 2026 RunSignup Community Grant Winners
For the 2026 RunSignup Community Grant, we had 196 nominations for 170 different nonprofit organizations. These included youth programs, recovery through running programs, triathlon introductory groups, trail maintenance organizations, and so much more. The good being done by endurance related nonprofits is vast and incredible.
Our five 2026 RunSignup Community Grant winners were selected by our employees, in keeping with our philosophy as an employee owned company. Each organization will be receiving $2,000. Those that did not win this year are encouraged to re-apply for the 2027 grant – nominations will open in Fall of 2026.
Native Women Run
NWR strives to create opportunities and break down barriers, ensuring that women have access to running events and spaces. Through fostering sisterhood and community, NWR strengthens the voices and visibility of Native women runners everywhere.
PUMPed to Run
PUMPed to Run (PtR) is a weekday running and walking group composed of residents of local homeless shelters and volunteer mentor runners. Through the leadership of PUMP staff and an Advisory Council, the PUMPed to Run program encourages sportsmanship and an organic positive mentality to help our shelter participants set physical running or walking goals, promote confidence, and encourage self-sufficiency. We aim to ensure that everyone has access and resources to be healthy and confident.
Running2bwell
We help people develop healthier lifestyles with the objective of better mental health. We’re open to all but our focus is with those struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. We
- Lead regular group run/walks.
- Provide free shoes and race entries; once people have come to three meetings.
- Provide free exercise classes.
- Are open to all and we do not distinguish between those seeking help and those wishing to help.
- Operate under the simple principle that we all have issues and we all have the responsibility to contribute.
Sports Backers
Sports Backers’ mission is to inspire people to live actively. For 34 years, Sports Backers has been fostering a culture of active living in Central Virginia through our participatory endurance events and community-based programs. These activities are designed to ensure all of the region’s residents have opportunities to be physically active in their daily lives as well as have access to top-quality competitive events that support a vibrant community.
In everything that we do, we strive to promote health equity and create accessible opportunities for active living. We fulfill our mission by energizing the community through events, advocating for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and providing education and training to passionate community volunteers to spearhead active living programs at the local level. Through our events and programs, we serve approximately 150,000 individuals annually.
The Youth Athlete Project
The Youth Athlete Project aims to make youth sports safer throughout our community by creating safe environments free from abusive coaching and providing mental health support for young athletes.
Congratulations to the 2026 RunSignup Community Grant winners. Thank you to all the incredible organizations that are out there improving the world through endurance sports, and improving endurance sports by bringing us their communities.