Boston, Mass. – In the spring edition of B.A.A. Gives Back Grants, fifteen organizations have been awarded a total of $125,000 to support their services that align with the Boston Athletic Association’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.
Since the program’s inception in spring 2023, the B.A.A. has issued grants to 64 organizations, awarding nearly $900,000 across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with more applications being received in every edition.
Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program continues to support organizations across the Massachusetts area that are dedicated to supporting those in need throughout the community. As we head into the Boston Marathon, we are grateful to have selected 15 organizations that will use the funding for important initiatives and support those of all ages and abilities. The impact of our grant program is continuing to grow, and we are delighted to continue making a difference in the future.”
The B.A.A. 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 September 2026. Find out more information about the B.A.A. Gives Back Grants here.
Spring 2026 B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients:
Quotes from B.A.A. Gives Back Grant recipients:
Black Girls Run: “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant has allowed Black Girls RUN! Foundation to provide much needed local support for our BGR! Boston community. Whether that is in the form of a cohort of Black Girls RUN! University or providing resources for an event, this grant has allowed us to further the organization’s mission.”
Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, Executive Director, Girls on the Run Greater Boston: “We’re so appreciative of the B.A.A.’s partnership for Girls on the Run Greater Boston. Thanks to their support, more girls in Greater Boston will get the chance to experience the power of running to improve their lives. We know that physical activity can help build confidence, resilience, and physical and mental health and wellbeing. Thank you to the B.A.A. for helping us inspire more girls to be healthy, joyful and confident through this grant.”
Adam Marks, Healthy Kids Running Series: “I am humbled and delighted to be a recipient of a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant for Healthy Kids Running Series in Jamaica Plain. This grant will undoubtedly help us grow the series, support marketing efforts and local community outreach, and allow us to partner with organizations in the Jamaica Plain area to enhance and expand youth running initiatives that will contribute to the health and wellbeing of young kids who wish to be more active, play outside with their friends, and enjoy friendly competition on Sunday afternoons in the fall and spring. I couldn’t be more thankful to the B.A.A. for their continued help and support of Healthy Kids Running Series, and I look forward to working with the B.A.A. in developing future running initiatives for Boston-area kids and their families as well.”
Mark Reeves, Executive Director, New England Community Services (NECS): “This grant is a powerful affirmation of the work our team does every day. Student-athletes face unique pressures, and too often mental wellness resources are out of reach for those who need them most. The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant allows us to close that gap and deliver meaningful, lasting support to young people in our communities.”
Dave Fortier, President, One World Strong Foundation: “We’re grateful to the B.A.A. for believing in Boston area young people. This investment allows One World Strong to meet more youth where they are—equipping them with goal setting, teamwork, and resilience through the One World Marathon experience.”
Russ Hoyt, President and CEO, The Hoyt Foundation: “The movement for inclusion in endurance sports began here in Boston with Dick and Rick Hoyt, who demonstrated that the duo chair is more than adaptive equipment – it is a symbol of possibility. Each year, we receive multiple requests from individuals with disabilities who aspire to participate in racing events alongside family and friends but face barriers to accessing this essential resource. We are incredibly grateful to the Boston Athletic Association for their support of The Hoyt Foundation through the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant, which allows us to create even more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue their passion for racing and experience the power of inclusion.”
Nicole Stewart, Executive Director, Boston CASA: “We are deeply grateful to the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant for this meaningful investment in Boston CASA and the children we serve. Their support strengthens our ability to grow and reach more children and youth experiencing abuse and neglect with the life-changing advocacy of a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This partnership brings us closer to ensuring more young people have a consistent, caring adult by their side during some of the most critical moments in their lives.”
Rise Above Foundation: “Thanks to the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant, Rise Above is able to fund sports and physical activities for youth in foster care living right along the Marathon route. For a child navigating the challenges of foster care, access to a sport can be life-changing.”
Christine Buckley, Executive Director, The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, Inc.: “Receiving a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant is truly meaningful for our Foundation. Our Foundation has grown through the years because of the success of runs/walks across the country, with our flagship event at Castle Island. Promoting the health of those we serve is fundamental to their recovery and long-term well-being. So, being able to partner with B.A.A. not only through the marathon program but also as a grant recipient will allow us to continue to bolster our run/walk programs and support people in their journeys, one step at a time.”
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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, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20, 2026.
The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.