Charities

Now in its 24th Year, the Official Charity Programs of the Boston Marathon have raised more than $122 million ...

The selected charities of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program raise more than $10 million annually, and serve areas of need within Greater Boston. The funds and positive impact are important to the success of the B.A.A.'s mission, and the Association is proud to support these charities and their fundraising endeavors. With special regard to our field of Boston Marathon qualifiers, the B.A.A. has integrated its charity program into the race - an effort which recognizes the community in and around the Boston Marathon, and the year-round philanthropic endeavors of the Boston Athletic Association. For a list of official Boston Marathon Charities, click here.

Boston Marathon Official Charity Program began in 1989 when the American Liver Foundation became the first charity to receive official entries into the Boston Marathon. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute came aboard in 1990, and since then the program has grown to support 31 charities each year.

Attention Interested Charitable Organizations:

The B.A.A. accepts a limited number of new organizations each year, each to receive 15 waivers per year for a period for up to three years. These entries do not require a qualifying time but do require that runners acknowledge that they can complete a marathon within 6 hours, raise a minimum of $4,000 for your cause and will abide by all other B.A.A. rules and regulations.

Though all 501 (c) 3 organizations located in the Greater Boston Area may apply, strong consideration will be given to:

• those whose mission is to promote fitness through athletics;
• those who offer youth development programs;
• those who are established in the community (three years or more), and directly impact the communities along the Boston Marathon route;
• those who can demonstrate the capacity and infrastructure to support a team of runners in their fundraising and training efforts. 
   

Only organizations located in the Greater Boston area will be considered for the B.A.A. Charity Program. Charities without a New England office need not apply. In addition to completing an online application, organizations are required to provide the following financial documents:

• 501 (c) 3 letter
• IRS Form 990
• Recent Audit Report

The next opportunity for non-profit organizations to apply for the program will be in the spring of 2012, for the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Attention Interested Runners and Fundraisers:

Our official B.A.A. Boston Marathon charities are now accepting applications from fundraisers willing to run the 2012 Boston Marathon. All charities offer unique training and fundraising programs, however, all will require a minimum fundraising donation. Please contact the official charity you wish to advocate for directly for more information.

If your charity of choice is not an official B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity, please note that there will not be any opportunity for them to receive a number for you to fundraise on their behalf.