Twelve organizations have been awarded a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant as part of the Fall edition. A total of $125,000 has been awarded to support their work that aligns 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, $773,000 has been awarded to 56 organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with more applications being received with every edition.
Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program is delighted to be able to support some incredible organizations with their important community work in this fall edition.
“We end the year with twelve selected organizations that we believe will use the funds to do great things to support athletes of all ages in getting and staying active. The impact of this program is far reaching, with 56 organizations receiving grants from us to date, and we look forward to continuing the growth and impact of this program in the years ahead.”
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 February 2026.
Find out more information HERE.
Fall 2025 B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients:
Quotes from B.A.A. Gives Back Grant recipients:
Joseph LeMar, Chapter Lead, Boston, Achilles International: “Achilles Boston programming is free for our athletes with disabilities and always will be. This generous Gives Back Grant from the B.A.A. is instrumental to supporting our commitment to that promise. We are so grateful for the B.A.A. for helping us break down the financial barrier that stands in the way of the sport of running and social connection for people with disabilities.”
Nathan Watt, Chief Executive Officer, Back on My Feet: “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant will help us get more of our members in Boston moving forward, on the roads and in their lives. With this support, Back on My Feet can expand access to early-morning running and walking groups, as well as the job training, education, and housing resources that follow. We’re grateful to the Boston Athletic Association for investing in a healthier, more connected community and for recognizing the power of running to change lives.”
Kevin Cummings, Executive Director of Bay State Games: “Bay State Games is honored and grateful to receive this community grant from the Boston Athletic Association Gives Back Program. This support will help us to expand recreation and education opportunities for youth and amateur athletes across Massachusetts, especially for underserved participants and communities.”
Kevin McCaffrey, Boston Educational Development Foundation: “It is hard to express how thankful I am to receive this grant. It will truly be instrumental in implementing our Spring Running Club programming at three elementary schools. The funds will be used to purchase running shoes and other equipment for our youth participants. It will help us to honor the commitment of our coaches by providing youth wellness opportunities. This award is very timely as it will allow us to add one and possibly two more sites for the spring by introducing it to schools who want to start a club, but do not have the funding set aside this year to do so.”
Tomorrow Peeples-Taylor, Boston Lions Track Club Founder and Head Coach: “We are deeply honored to receive the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant. This support helps us continue our mission of getting lives on track through track and field – providing youth with opportunities to grow as athletes, leaders, and community change makers. The Boston Lions Track Club is more than a team; we are a family committed to developing discipline, confidence, and resilience in every child we serve. We thank the B.A.A. for believing in our vision and investing in the future leaders of Boston.”
Mary Coulter-Bennett, Cops for Kids with Cancer Board Member: “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant directly amplifies our ability to provide critical financial assistance to families of children with cancer. With this support, Cops for Kids with Cancer can help more families focus on what matters most—their child’s treatment and well-being.”
Silene Gordon, Executive Director, Heroes in Transition: “On behalf of Heroes In Transition, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Boston Athletic Association for your very generous donation in support of our Fitness In Real Motion (FIRM) program. Your contribution will have a profound impact on the lives of veterans, especially in encouraging them to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. This partnership is a testament to the B.A.A.’s dedication to our nation’s heroes, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping those who have served. Your support is making a difference, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
Colleen Walsh, Director, Development & Communications of Massachusetts Wonderfund: “This grant from the B.A.A. means that more vulnerable children and teens engaged with the Department of Children and Families across Massachusetts will experience the positive benefits of joining a team with their friends, moving their bodies, and working towards a shared goal helping them to reach their highest potential and achieve better health outcomes.”
Larry Spotted Crow Mann, Executive Director, Ohketeau Cultural Center: “The meaning of this grant is beyond words. We are deeply grateful, and we are excited to use this funding to support our Natives Run Youth event. Twenty-one miles of the Marathon route follow an ancient Nipmuc path that stretches back thousands of years and at the 2024 Boston Marathon we saw remarkable “firsts” for Native Americans across New England and history was made. For the first time ever, two Nipmuc runners completed the Boston Marathon in 2024. This extraordinary race has ignited inspiration among Tribal Citizens throughout New England—sparking a wave of motivation that continues to change lives. The Natives Run Youth event helps us prepare the next generation of athletes by providing meaningful opportunities, guidance, and encouragement for young Indigenous runners. Kuttubatomish! (thank you very much)”
Mary Blankemeier, Founder & CEO, Run Your City: “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the B.A.A., an organization that embodies the transformative power of running. This grant is a critical investment that directly enables our mission to remove barriers and provide every child with access to sports. With this support, we can keep our programs 100% free for every participant and empower more kids to reach their starting line, fostering the confidence and growth of young people in the Boston area and beyond.”
Bruno Contreras, Hub Director, Soccer Without Borders Boston: “We’re extremely excited to receive this funding. It will help us deliver a high-quality program across our two new middle-school sites in Framingham, covering transportation, league fees, and dedicated mentoring for more than 50 newcomer youth. This support comes at a critical moment, allowing us to continue breaking down barriers to participation so that every young person — regardless of their background or circumstances — can access a safe, welcoming, and empowering space through Soccer Without Borders.”
Alicia Conlin, Executive Director Wellstrong: “This grant from the Boston Athletic Association holds deep meaning for WellStrong. Our founder began by leading a small running group at a local recovery center, using movement as a pathway to hope. Today, this support makes it possible for our members in recovery to train, to run, and to continue proudly participating in the Falmouth Road Race, an event we’ve been honored to be part of for eight years. This grant helps reduce barriers, so even more runners can join us-crossing finish lines they once thought were impossible. For them, it’s not just running; it’s healing, confidence, and the powerful belief that they can reclaim their lives.”
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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 economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509.million in state and local economic activity. 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.